According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (ARPA’s) 2022 report, the average TPD claim processing time is 5.3 months. However, as the cover image shows, the duration for TPD claim processing varies between a few weeks to 12+ months.
If you want to reduce TPD claim processing time as much as possible then as a TPD lawyer I recommend you to read this article. Since this article provides information regarding:
- Top 3 tips you need to know to reduce the amount of time you need to wait for a TPD claim to take its course.
- Factors that will delay TPD claims.
- How can Withstand Lawyers make your TPD claim more effective?
TOP 3 things to reduce the length of a TPD claim
1. Confirmation of receipt?
Request receipt or confirmation from the superfund that they received your TPD claim documents, forms and evidence! Why? Because sometimes they may not receive it for whatever reason and that alone can delay the process by months.
I have personally experienced instances where, despite requesting receipt confirmation of our clients’ TPD claim lodgement multiple times, they have only confirmed receiving our second follow-up, which we send within days due to this recurring issue.
2. Will your injury prevent you from working?
Make sure you make it easy for the decision maker in terms of setting out how your TPD claim meets the relevant TPD definition within your policy. As a TPD lawyer I would recommend you submit alongside your documents, a letter or email explaining how you meet the TPD definition on every level.
That not only helps you make sure you actually meet the relevant definition of how your circumstances and evidence meet the relevant eligibility but also makes it easier for the decision maker who will be deciding whether to approve or refuse your TPD claim.
For example, we had a client who had lodged his TPD claim on his own and it was mainly fine except for the important fact that he forgot to explain his past work experiences with evidence such as tax returns or CV.
He had lodged the claim 7 months before us, and it hadn’t been decided on yet. Upon providing the CV, evidence of his past work experiences in labour only provided the superfund with better context it needed to make a decision quicker.
Sometimes, the superfund may think the injury or condition on its own cannot prevent you from working but some definitions are that you are unable to work within your education, training, or experience. That’s why making clear your experience with evidence is important.
We have a dedicated blog about the different TPD definitions.
3. Pre-existing clauses?
Look out for clauses that may prevent you from being eligible to claim. For example, if you have multiple health conditions and one on its own prevents you from working which is not a pre-existing condition, ask your doctors their opinion on that alone without complicating your TPD claim.
What will delay a TPD Claim?
Both the insurer and trustee will review the evidence that you provide regarding your disability and how it affects your ability to work. This evidence could be in the form of medical reports and financial documents. To learn more about the TPD process, click here
If you don’t provide enough accurate documentation to support your claim, you could be dealing with a stressful and time-consuming back and forth process with the fund.
Providing the relevant supporting documents is crucial in having your TPD claim determined sooner. Our TPD lawyers have successfully navigated thousands of these claims on behalf of our clients, and regularly deal with funds and insurers and understand their expectations..
How can we help with your TPD Claim?
We’re here. Free Claim Check & No Win No Fee TPD lawyers. Capped Fees.
If you’re feeling confused, overwhelmed, or would prefer a TPD lawyer look at your documents or apply on your behalf or just advise you first, get in contact with us and we will tell you during our free claim assessment our opinion on the success and time your TPD claim should take.
According to ASIC, approximately 25% of TPD claims are processed beyond 6 months to finalise. If you want to increase the success of your TPD claim being approved and have it processed as soon as possible, get in contact and we will tell you if we can assist. If we can assist, we act on a No Win No Fee basis and provide a cap on our fees.
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
