Back to basics: why is my TPD claim taking so long

What is TPD insurance?

Total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or injury. TPD insurance is typically offered by default to members of a superannuation fund in Australia. 

TPD insurance is designed to provide a lump sum payment to individuals who are unable to return to work due to a total and permanent disability. This payment can be used to cover the costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other expenses related to the disability. TPD insurance can provide important financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability, helping to cover the costs of their ongoing care and support. 

If you have made a total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance claim and are finding that it is taking a long time to be processed, you may be feeling frustrated and uncertain about what to do. It is important to understand that there could be several reasons why your TPD claim is taking longer than expected, and there are steps you can take to try to expedite the process. 

Why is it taking so long?

One reason your TPD claim may be taking a long time is due to the complexity of the claim. TPD insurance is designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or injury, and the assessment process can be complex. The insurer will need to gather and assess a range of information, including medical records, employment history, and financial information, in order to determine your eligibility for TPD benefits. If your claim is particularly complex, it may take longer for the insurer to gather and assess all the necessary information. 

Another reason your TPD claim may be taking a long time is if you have not provided all the necessary information or documents to support your claim. The insurer will need a range of information in order to assess your claim, and if you have not provided everything that is required, this can delay the process. It is important to ensure that you have provided all the necessary information and documents to the insurer as soon as possible, as this will help to expedite the claims process. 

Third-party involvement can also cause delays in the TPD claims process. If your claim involves other parties, such as medical experts or rehabilitation providers, it may take longer for the insurer to obtain their reports or assessments. This can be especially true if these parties are located in different parts of the country or if there are delays in obtaining the necessary information from them. 

Internal processing delays can also cause delays in the TPD claims process. The insurer may have internal processes that are beyond your control and that can cause delays in the handling of your claim. These delays could be due to a variety of factors, such as the volume of claims being handled by the insurer, staffing issues, or technological problems. 

What can I do?

Know your rights. 

If you are concerned about the length of time your TPD claim is taking, there are steps you can take to try to expedite the process. One thing you can do is check the status of your claim with the insurer. Contact the insurer and ask them where your claim is in the process and if there are any outstanding issues that need to be addressed. Providing any outstanding information or documents can also help to expedite the process. If the insurer has requested additional information or documents from you, it is important to provide these as soon as possible. 

If you are yet to make a TPD claim, or your claim has been delayed, you are entitled to legal representation and Littles can help you. We can help you understand your rights and options and can assist you in presenting your claim in the most effective way possible. 

If you have already lodged a claim and it has been rejected by a superannuation fund or insurer, you may be entitled to have the decision reviewed through an internal resolution procedure. 

If your complaint has been upheld, you may be able to litigate in a court or lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA is an independent dispute resolution service for financial matters, and they can help resolve any disputes you may have with your insurer. 

There are strict time limits to challenge an insurer’s decision, so it’s important you seek legal advice as soon as possible. 

What is the Littles difference?

Put simply, Littles are experts in superannuation and insurance law matters. 

Our insurance team has helped thousands of consumers claim their entitlements, and our Head of TPD and General Insurance has extensive industry knowledge and insight on how to maximise your prospects of success. 

We also speak your language, at sixteen languages and counting.  Forget paying for a translator or for a lawyer who doesn’t understand you and your cultural background. 

All our superannuation and insurance law matters are conducted on a no win, no fee basis, and we don’t charge you upfront for any disbursements necessary to prosecute your claim.  

If you would like superannuation and insurance law advice, reach out to Littles today by using our free Claim Checker

About the author

Littles’ Head of TPD and General Insurance, Rowan McDonald, is an expert in insurance and superannuation law.  Rowan is an experienced litigator and has prosecuted thousands of successful insurance claims for consumers. 

Having worked in the insurance industry for over fifteen years, Rowan has an extensive industry contact list and regularly presents to disability support groups, financial industry professionals and multicultural organisations. 

Rowan has also advised some of Australia’s top insurers, giving him unrivalled insight into the claim process from all perspectives.  Rowan takes a pragmatic and common-sense approach to the advice he provides his clients. 

For your free, personal consultation get in touch with Rowan today.  

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