A serious heart condition can impact your ability to work and provide for your family. If you are unable to work due to a heart condition, you may be entitled to a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) payout through your superannuation fund.
TPD Helpline Australia helps people all over Australia claim their superannuation TPD benefits. This guide will walk you through making a TPD claim for a heart condition, including what conditions may qualify and what you need to navigate the claims process successfully.
Understanding TPD Insurance and Heart Conditions
TPD insurance provides a lump-sum payment if you become totally and permanently disabled and are unable to work. For many heart conditions, this is a very real possibility, with symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain making it difficult to maintain employment.
TPD Insurance in Your Superannuation
Most Australians have TPD insurance as part of their superannuation accounts. This means you may be able to claim a lump sum payout from your TPD policy if a heart condition, stroke, or heart attack prevents you from returning to work. It is important to check the details of your superannuation policy to understand your level of cover. TPD Helpline can assist you in reviewing your policy and understanding your entitlements.
As soon as you have been off work for over 3 months due to a heart condition, you are either eligible or likely to be eligible soon. Your superfund will not alert you to your right to claim TPD.
Are You Eligible For a TPD Claim For a Heart Condition?
To be eligible for a TPD claim, you must meet the definition of “total and permanent disability” as outlined in your specific insurance policy. Generally, this means you are unable to work in your usual occupation or any other occupation for which you are suited by education, training, or experience.
You will need to provide strong medical evidence to support your claim and demonstrate that your heart condition and any related conditions prevent you from working now and in the future.
What Heart Conditions Can Qualify For a TPD Payout?
There is no definitive list of heart conditions that automatically qualify for a TPD claim. The key factor is whether your condition and its symptoms have stopped you from working permanently. However, some common heart-related conditions that frequently lead to successful TPD claims include:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
- Chronic Heart Disease & Heart Failure
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- Stroke
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Arrhythmias
Even if your specific condition isn’t listed, you may still be eligible. TPD Helpline can assess your individual circumstances and advise on your eligibility.
Can You Claim TPD After a Heart Attack?
Yes, you may be able to claim TPD after a heart attack if it results in a permanent disability that prevents you from working. Your doctor will assess your capacity to return to work, and if it is determined that you are unlikely to be able to work again, you could be eligible for a TPD payout.
The TPD Claim Process For a Heart Condition: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the TPD claim process can be complex. Here are the typical steps involved:
Step 1: Notify Your Insurer and Gather Forms
The first step is to notify your superannuation fund or insurer of your intention to claim. They will provide you with the necessary claim forms to complete.
Step 2: Compile Medical and Employment Evidence
This is the most critical stage. You will need to gather comprehensive medical reports from your cardiologist and GP, along with evidence of your work history and qualifications.
Many GPs take the wrong approach when attempting to help patients with TPD claims. It is vital that your GP knows how to assess you in light of the correct TPD insurance claim requirements. We have a large network of experienced GPs all over Australia who are trained in TPD assessments and TPD insurance. Seeking advice from the TPD Helpline at this stage is highly recommended to ensure you provide sufficient information.
Step 3: Lodge Your Claim and Await Assessment
Once submitted, your insurer will assess your claim. This involves reviewing all medical and employment documentation to determine if you meet the policy definition of TPD.
Step 4: Navigating Claim Approval or Rejection
If your claim is approved, you will receive a lump-sum payment. If it is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. TPD Helpline can guide you through the dispute process.
TPD Claims For Conditions Affecting Mental Health Secondary to a Heart Condition
Living with a serious heart condition can take a significant toll on your mental health. It is not uncommon for individuals to develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD as a result.
TPD Helpline Australia is a beacon of light for those suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD or other psychological issues. We understand the nature of psychological injuries and TPD claims and the everyday struggle. If a secondary mental health condition, in conjunction with your heart condition, contributes to your inability to work, it is crucial to include this in your TPD claim with supporting evidence.
Have You Been Told You Don’t Have a Claim?
TPD law and claims have been neglected by most personal injury and compensation law firms and solicitors across Australia. An overwhelming number of people have been eligible to make a TPD claim; however, their solicitors have been ignorant of, or incapable of making, such a claim.
We’ve found most solicitors across Australia simply don’t know how to get TPD claims approved. Regardless of the situation with your solicitor, if you have not been able to work due to a heart condition, you have a right to claim TPD. Whether your solicitor thinks your injury is minor is irrelevant. Get a second opinion from us.
Get Help With Your Heart Condition TPD Claim
A successful TPD claim can provide essential financial support while you focus on your health. You may be entitled to a substantial lump sum payment. TPD Helpline offers a no-win, no-fee service to help you navigate the claims process.
Contact the TPD Helpline Australia on 1300 679 222 for a free consultation. Our phone helpline operates Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. Most of our enquiries come via Facebook private chat, and we respond quickly 7 days a week.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Every claim is unique, and eligibility depends on your specific circumstances and policy terms. Contact the TPD Helpline for personalised advice about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to make a TPD claim for a heart condition?
There are time limits for making TPD claims, which vary depending on your policy. Generally, you should make your claim as soon as possible after becoming disabled. Some policies require claims to be made within 2 years of ceasing work, while others may have different timeframes. Contact the TPD Helpline to understand your specific time limits.
Can I claim TPD if I'm receiving workers' compensation for my heart condition?
Yes, you may still be eligible for a TPD claim even if you’re receiving workers’ compensation. However, there may be an offset provision where the workers’ compensation payment reduces your TPD benefit. TPD claims are separate from workers’ compensation claims and are based on your superannuation policy.
What if my heart condition was pre-existing when I joined my superannuation fund?
Pre-existing conditions don’t automatically disqualify you from making a TPD claim. However, some policies may have exclusions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. The key is whether your condition has worsened to the point where you can no longer work. Each case is different, so it’s important to have your policy reviewed by TPD specialists.
How much can I expect to receive from a TPD claim for a heart condition?
The amount varies significantly depending on your policy, age, and circumstances. TPD payouts can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The amount is usually based on your superannuation balance plus any insured benefit amount. Contact the TPD Helpline for a free assessment of your potential claim value.
Will making a TPD claim affect my other government benefits?
A TPD payout may affect your eligibility for certain government benefits like the Disability Support Pension or other Centrelink payments. However, the impact varies depending on the specific benefit and your circumstances. It’s important to seek advice about how a TPD payout might affect your overall financial situation before proceeding with your claim.
