Unfortunately, for many sick or injured claimants seeking disability insurance benefits through their TPD or income protection policies, the claims process is complex, frustrating and exhausting. There are often complications around policy definitions, medical opinions, timing of claims and pre-existing conditions. In this case review, we were absolutely delighted to secure a successful TPD claim and income protection benefits for our client.
TPD and income protection claims pursued for our client with alcoholism
When Amit (a pseudonym) got in contact with Berrill & Watson in February 2023, he was in the throes of a severe alcohol addiction and was sleeping on a friend’s couch. He had worked in high-level and complex IT roles, but since his addiction had become more debilitating, he hadn’t been able to keep a job for longer than one or two months.
His financial counsellor referred him to us for assistance with an income protection claim through his super fund. Income protection benefits provide an alternative source of income for you to live on if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Amit had initiated the income protection claim on his own. However, the paperwork and medical report fees compounded the stress he was already experiencing day to day. He wondered if the process was worthwhile after receiving confusing advice from his fund that he could only make the claim while still working.
Berrill & Watson assured him this wasn’t the case and helped him to correctly determine his insurance entitlements. After a thorough assessment of Amit’s circumstances, we were able to pursue a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) benefit in addition to his income protection benefit.
Early hurdles in the disability claims process
Disability insurance claims, whether they be a TPD or income protection claim, usually require that you have disability insurance cover at the time you last worked.
Piecing together Amit’s work history was a complex task, as some of it was a blur. Additionally, he was not always in the right frame of mind to provide accurate information. The stop-start nature of his recent employment meant it was difficult to identify the best date last worked to proceed from so as not to limit the value of his cover.
Once we ironed out his date last worked using employment records, we were able to confirm Amit’s insurance entitlements. He had an income protection benefit worth $5,000 per month for two years and a TPD lump sum benefit of $1 million.
Over $1 million in disability benefits secured for our client
After taking over Amit’s TPD and income protection claims, we obtained supportive medical information from various treating doctors. In the meantime, Amit was able to attend a residential rehabilitation facility for several months.
His income protection claim was approved and back paid in December 2023. His TPD claim was then approved in April 2024.
Since being engaged with us, Amit has turned his life around. He is sober, living in stable accommodation and is now able to see his son more frequently.
Amit didn’t think he was eligible to claim his super insurance benefits. In the end, he was glad for the way we handled his disability claims while he got to focus on himself.
Get help from a disability insurance lawyer
TPD and income protection claims involving addiction can be complicated, but they are not impossible. A superannuation lawyer can help you identify all of your entitlements and support you through the claims process to get the best results.
At Berrill & Watson, we’re experts in all things insurance, including income protection and TPD claims. We take on complex claims that other firms won’t. If you have a question about your claim, feel free to get in touch by phone or email for free. It costs you nothing to find out what your rights and entitlements are.
Contacting Berrill & Watson
📞 Melbourne: 03 9448 8048
📞 Brisbane: 07 3013 4300
📞 Anywhere else in Australia: 03 9448 8048
Further reading
- TPD claims due to drug and alcohol addiction
- What’s the difference between income protection and TPD insurance?
- Can I claim TPD and income protection benefits at the same time?
- The date you stopped work due to injury or illness is crucial in TPD claims
How we charge
We are Australia's best-value superannuation/insurance law firm. Other law firms charge nearly double (& sometimes more than double) what we charge. So, if you get a quote from them, or have a cost agreement, ask us what we will charge you.