Leaving policing because of illness or injury can raise questions about insurance, employment and medical retirement. TPD claims for police officers depend on the cover held and whether the evidence meets the applicable policy requirements.
Being unable to return to operational duties is relevant, but some policies also assess your capacity for other work suited to your education, training or experience.
Operational duties and other work
When preparing your claim, describe your actual duties and the restrictions that prevent you from performing them. Check which disability definition applies rather than assuming that being unable to continue policing establishes eligibility.
Under an any occupation definition, the assessment generally considers whether you are unlikely ever to work again in an occupation reasonably suited to your education, training or experience. Other definitions may apply depending on your cover and employment circumstances.
If modified duties or an alternative role were considered, include what was proposed, whether it was attempted and what happened. Explain the practical demands of the work rather than relying on the job title alone.
Evidence about physical and psychological conditions
Physical injuries and psychological conditions, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, may support a claim. The evidence must address the policy’s requirements rather than simply confirm a diagnosis.
Ask your treating practitioners to explain your relevant limitations, treatment and prognosis. Depending on your circumstances, useful detail might concern concentration, reliability, interactions, particular environments, movement or endurance.
Include medical retirement correspondence and relevant workers compensation records when preparing your claim. Use them to explain the history while ensuring the evidence also addresses the insurance definition.
Check the actual cover
Police TPD claims should start with identifying the applicable policy, cover dates and eligibility requirements. Ask for your insurance history and the wording that applied at the relevant time, rather than relying only on your latest statement. Previous cover may still warrant investigation even if it has since ended.
Do not assume that another officer’s policy applies to you. Check any employer or public sector benefits separately from your TPD insurance so the requirements of each arrangement can be considered.
Getting help
Bring your insurance statements, medical retirement correspondence and any insurer decision to KSC Law. We can help identify the applicable requirements, evidence gaps and next steps.
If a claim has been refused, include the written reasons and seek advice early. Time limits may apply to challenging the decision.
Book a free consultation to discuss your circumstances. We explain the proposed costs arrangement before work begins, so you can decide whether to proceed.
Related reading: TPD claims lawyers · Do I qualify for a TPD claim
Further reading
Moneysmart: how TPD insurance works · Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)