TPD claims for correctional officers may involve physical injuries, psychological conditions or other illnesses that affect your ability to work. Eligibility depends on the TPD insurance you held and whether your circumstances meet the applicable policy definition, rather than simply whether your employment in corrections has ended.
KSC Law can help identify the relevant TPD insurance and explain the evidence needed to address the policy requirements.
Describe the demands of your actual role
Correctional roles can vary, so explain the duties you actually performed, the restrictions affecting those duties and whether modified or alternative work was attempted.
Under an “any occupation” definition, the assessment generally considers whether you are unlikely ever to work again in a job suited to your education, training or experience. Other policies may use an “own occupation” or activities of daily living definition.
Being unable to return to your previous correctional role is therefore important evidence, but it does not necessarily establish that you meet every requirement of the applicable policy.
Evidence about your limitations
Physical injuries and psychological conditions, including PTSD, anxiety and depression, may support a TPD claim where the policy requirements are met.
Medical evidence should address more than the diagnosis. Ask your treating practitioners to explain the functional limitations, treatment and prognosis relevant to your circumstances and the applicable definition.
Include information about modified duties, reduced hours and attempted returns to work. Employment records can also help explain the duties you performed and how your condition affected your capacity to perform them.
Separate insurance from other benefits
TPD insurance is separate from workers compensation and other employment-related entitlements. Documents from another claim may form part of your medical or employment history, but your TPD claim still needs to satisfy the applicable insurance policy.
Confirm your insurance history and the definition that applies. TPD cover can be held inside superannuation or outside super, and different policies can use different disability definitions.
If you have changed jobs or superannuation funds, check your previous insurance arrangements rather than relying only on your current super statement.
If you have already received a refusal
Start with the written reasons for the decision. The issue may concern whether cover existed, an exclusion, the applicable disability definition or whether the evidence satisfies the policy requirements.
The appropriate response depends on the reason for the refusal. Seek advice early so any complaint or legal time limits can be identified.
Book a free consultation with KSC Law about correctional officer TPD claims. We can review your starting documents, explain the next steps and discuss the proposed costs before you 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)