TPD for depression

[smith2]

Hello All,

I've been off work with a major depressive disorder for 20 months, my employer (a well known multinational) instructed me to attend an Independence Medical Examination, based on the examination report my employment will be terminated.

Depressed, alone, out of work and with a mortgage is not a good place. I'm about to start a TPD claim in the hope that I can keep my home.

Does anyone have experience with TPD claims, I've read they can be difficult to prove ?

Any advice ?

Regards

[Jobby]

I don't agree with your assessment of IME's at all and to be honest perpetuating this myth only causes additional anxiety for people who are required to attend one. The insurance industry pays out tens of millions of dollars a week based on the opinion of IME's, sure there are some very ordinary examiners out there and mistakes are made but by in large they do a reasonable job. Implying that they are paid for opinion is just not true.

[meatloaf]

Jobby

a lot of people on different threads have talked about their bad experiences with IME's. It's good to have this information to ensure you aren't blindsided at these appointments. The insurance industry also spends a lot of money and time trying to catch people out, even hiring private detectives to follow people. I'm sure there are good people in the industry but they don't really care about people you are just a number to them...example, my case manager has changed 7 times in 8 months and half of those times they never even bothered to tell me

[Just Sara]

My superannuation case manager has advised me on making a TPD claim up until now. But after reading through some of these posts, I'm concerned.

I've been collecting documentation as supporting evidence without the assistance of a solicitor. Am I doing the right thing? My doctor supports me, though she's 'iffy' when it comes to sharing reports with me; especially the IME. I've asked for a copy, but she refused. She gave a brief overview of the report using paraphrasing. So I don't know exactly what's there. She also did this with reports from my neurologist regarding an MRI and CAT scan.

I want to trust people/authorities, but the more I experience, the less faith I have. As I don't have many funds available from TPD, is it worth paying a solicitor?

[meatloaf]

Hi Dizzy

if your doctor has said she supports your application for TPD then it sounds as though the reports would back that...if in doubt ask her straight out if there is anything in the reports you need to be concerned about. It's a tricky one with using a lawyer, theres no harm in submitting your claim without using one to save some money then see how it goes...if your claim is denied maybe then think about bringing in someone to help. 

Good luck  and best wishes 

xx

[Just Sara]

Thankyou so much Meatloaf!

I appreciate your help...Dizzy x

[karmasully]

Thanks mate, that was a very helpful post. I have just lodged my TPD claims and IP claims with my lawyers and it has just been submitted. I am paranoid schitzophrenic and got diagnosed through a workplace incident. It is hard to find on the net much information regarding mental health TPD, reading your post was the first one ive found. If you have any advise or websites or forum links so i can keep researching will be hopeful, i hope mine doesnt take 18 months. Did you get your super too?

Ryan

[Winterfell]

I hope you got on okay Smith. I am wondering how hard the process is/was.

[Fifob]

Hi

I am about to start a TPD claim after been off work for 3 years by November this year for depression & anxiety, from working in a toxic environment & I was been bullied out of my job. I had to agree to a mutual separation or unfair dismissal was going to commence at the time I agreed as was not able for it at the time.

I have got all the forms from the insurer for the claim & was going to attempt it myself but your recommending to get a lawyer? Is it best to help the claim with a no win no fee lawyer?

How can I get more advice on the claim process etc? Is there someone I could talk to?

Any assistance advice would be grateful ... Thanks

[meatloaf]

Hi

sorry to hear this..going through the same thing myself. Personally I am using a lawyer as its too stressful for me to do...no win no fee and very reasonable cost if I do win. The biggest thing is to have strong medical evidence that you can't work...I currently have 3 pysch reports and my doctors report. Insurers will find anything not to pay you so all the medical support you can get is crucial. Some people do the initial paperwork themselves then get a lawyer if the claim is denied. It depends on how you feel you can manage...you must do what you think is best for you...everyone's experience is different. If you do get a lawyer make sure you do some research on them as there are crap lawyers too...my doctor recommended my lawyer as he'd helped other patients.

Good luck...any other questions you have or just feel like ranting ( I do this often) please yell out

x

[Eveningstar]

Hi everyone, I’m new. I’ve been reading all these posts and I’m glad I found some helpful information. I have been on sick leave for over a year now from my job and went through a very tough time which I almost lost more than I bargained for. I’ve been suffering severe depression and anxiety, been on a few different medications and also have been diagnosed with two small tumours one on kidney and one on thyroid. I suffer with migraines and have chronic back pain. Also just been diagnosed with diabetes. Anyway through my struggles I have put on weight and started gambling to try make extra money for bills and car payments. I was also getting into risky behavior. I finally started to seek help and try getting better by taking medication and trying to stay positive, however I feel like I’m not really sure if I can and or want to go back to work. I did go back to work after 12months on a graduated return to work program however I only lasted two days in two weeks. I just couldn’t go back.

Although I’m much better I am really not 100% I find it difficult still to do things like showering and even getting out of bed. Everyone is telling me to go back to work but I think that that’s my decision and I know I wouldn’t be able to handle the stress or the environment. I haven’t been bullied directly but have felt like I wasn’t valued enough and not treated equally as a professional.

i am currently receiving income protection payments but it just gets me by and isn’t enough to get me out of financial trouble. I currently live with my kids as I struggled with rent and now finding it hard to rent through realestates. It’s difficult living with the kids as they sometimes don’t help my situation but make it worse.

Anyway My caseworker for super suggested to me to apply for TDP (total disability Payment) and I asked what that was and she explained it. I thought about it over a week then I called her back and asked for the forms then she changed her tune announcing that it’s a long process and it’s difficult to get. Then started talking to me like there’s nothing really wrong with you and you should be able to go back to work.

I felt like no one understands and no one feels what I feel. It’s so annoying that people like to have a positive opinion on depression and anxiety which is a negative thing.

I liked reading all the posts it gave me some relief that others have had some similar issues.

thank you