Total & permanent disability cover (TPD)

Karen has a question about total & permanent disability cover (TPD). Karen says  “does anyone have any tips or advice about the best to deal with TPD paper work, as we need to sell our home & move to somewhere easier to manage and can't afford TPD to drag on – any advice would be a big help.” 

Answers from Facebook

Michelle Glover Helped my brother with his TPD through his super fund, just make sure you have all supporting medical reports and have all necessary ID certified, make a checklist and ensure everything is sent in together.

Lizzie Cluer I have just almost just completed this whole process with my husband. I made sure I had more than enough paperwork and supporting evidence that he was unable to return to work and needed a TPD from his super. I had our GP plus a few specialists including his rehabilitation specialist complete paperwork for us. I explained everything to his super company about why we needed the money asap (we have a large mortgage, school aged children and I work casually so need to get mortgage down/paid) and they have been very supportive. We rang them every week or so to make sure that they had everything they required. Currently, his claim has been processed and we are just waiting for the funds.

Kerrie Williams Keep a copy of all paperwork for your own records.

I made notes after each phone call stating what was said.

Ring regularly to check on progress.

Don't take no for an answer. Early on in the process I was getting the run around and was even told they we were not entitled to any money, I persisted and kept calling them and then they changed their tune.

I also spoke with a local politician and he was happy to act on our behalf. We didn't need him to in the end but he was going to write them a letter and then read it in parliament.....not good publicity for them!

Good luck with it all!

Jenny Sellars Are you talking about TPD claim from superannuation? Firstly, you do not need a solicitor to fill in forms. They are not that hard to do and makes no difference re priority. There may be a waiting time before application. You can apply to more than one company that you are with. Answer all questions-especially with details of Doctors and therapists doing treatment. Did express post plus emailed forms. Keep copies of everything!!! Once you get appointed a case manager, keep in touch regularly.

Jamie Robert Hurst Hi karen

Best result is to get an insurance broker involved

I did even though I hadn't purchased the coverage through them and they sorted it out for me quick smart

Cheers

Mirian Fernandez I follow all the instructions and requests from Sunsuper TPD, lodged all med cartificates, studies, certified copies, etc and it was done in a reasonable time. Just put all together first and do a check list and send everything by certified mail.

Tanya Younger I found the process very stressful and exhausting, but had a good result without engaging a lawyer. My claim wasn't huge, but as my working life was over it sure made a difference. I held my payment over with my super until I could get the benefit tax free...not long for me, under a year. My claim was through AON and they were very clear about their requirements, which was good. They wanted the world, but gave me all the steps. When the claim was approved (fairly quick) they called me to let me know. Was so relieved.

Lots of good advice in the comments here. Don't be discouraged, and ask specific questions if you need to. I have copies of all my statements and reports and am happy to share them with you for guidance.  Good luck. Breathe.

Kris Herron Interesting comments, I claimed on my Superfund took forever, but the money was retained in my super fund not distributed directly to me. Then there are age limits on how you can withdraw from Superfund. I had to go for tests with all and sundry including twice with a neurophyscologist. Even my income protection was a fight.

Margaret Petzler All I can suggest is send all correspondence via express post (with a tracking number) and keep a copy for your own records (I also emailed documents). Send as much information, supporting documents, medical reports etc as you can. And follow up regularly (at least weekly). A solicitor is not required at all (just another additional cost without additional value). In saying this please check with all of your superannuation accounts and ensure you are "claiming" on the best one. We discovered after the fact that another superannuation account actually had a higher insured value but we were then unable to claim due to claiming on another :/ please do your research.

Martha Thomas All above comments are spot on, I would emphasize that it's essential to post your documents via express post (and make a note of the tracking number) or better still registered mail. Unfortunately, we cannot longer trust our postal service to deliver our mail from point a) to b) in a timely/reliable way. Best wishes.