It’s estimated that 575,000 people in Australia are visually impaired, and more than 66,000 of these people are blind. Around 30% of visually impaired Australians are under the age of 65.
If you’re unable to work due to loss of sight, you may be eligible to make a TPD claim through your Superannuation to receive total and permanent disability insurance.
Despite what you may assume, a person doesn’t have to have suffered an injury, accident or serious illness to access their TPD benefits. If your loss of sight can be considered a permanent disability within your policy’s definitions, you should be able to claim for TPD and get access to your Super fund early.
Loss of Sight – When You Can Make A Claim
Making a TPD claim for loss of sight isn’t straightforward, as different insurance policies may have their own definition of “loss of sight” or “blindness”. There are varying degrees of blindness, and you may be unsure whether your TPD cover applies to your own level of sight loss.
Some of the medical causes of blindness that may be covered by your policy include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, corneal opacity and diabetic retinopathy.
There are several factors your insurer will need to know when determining your eligibility for a claim, including:
- If you have been prescribed medical treatment for loss of sight, and how regularly you require this treatment.
- Whether your claim can be supported by a healthcare professional.
- Whether your condition can be classed as permanent (ongoing for the rest of your life).
- Whether your condition will leave you unable to carry out work in your current occupation or in a suitably adjusted position, and how this may affect your financial situation, for example, your current monthly income.
If you’re successful in making a life insurance claim for your condition, you might be entitled to be paid a lump sum of money from your superannuation fund that will cover the necessary costs of living, including loss of income and medical bills.
The considerations above are by no means definitive, and the specific situation faced by each person experiencing loss of sight may affect their outcome when making a claim.
You’re Not Alone – Support with TPD Claims For Loss of Sight
Figuring out the ins and outs of a TPD claim can be a challenge. You may be faced with confusing legal jargon and complicated insurance policy terms that leave you unconvinced that you’ll be able to successfully make a claim.
If you’re looking for advice and guidance in making a permanent disablement claim, our trained advisers can offer guidance and handle your claim on your behalf. We’ll take the stress off your shoulders and help you to focus on adapting to your new disability and arranging for the support you need. Contact us today and we’ll discuss the likely success of your case and help you to gather the medical information you will require.