Do I have TPD insurance?
TPD insurance is often automatically included with superannuation policies — so if you have a super policy, you’re probably covered for TPD too.
If your super doesn’t offer TPD insurance, you can also purchase it separately through an insurer.
Not sure if you’re covered? Contact your super fund to check.
Am I eligible for a TPD claim?
You may be eligible for a TPD claim if you’re permanently unable to work due to PTSD or another mental health condition.
Depending on your super policy, this could also include situations where you can’t return to any role within your education, training, or experience.
Importantly, it doesn’t matter:
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Find out if you’re eligible for a TPD claim for PTSD today.
What mental health conditions can I claim for?
While this guide focuses on TPD claims for PTSD, you can make a TPD claim for any recognised mental illness that prevents you from working. This includes:
Don’t see your condition listed here? You may still have a TPD claim. Get in touch with our lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll explain whether your condition qualifies and the best strategy for securing your full benefit.
How much will I get for a PTSD TPD claim?
Unlike weekly workers compensation payments, TPD claims can provide a substantial lump sum to support you long-term. The average payout ranges from $200,000 to $400,000 — but we’ve helped clients successfully secure as much as $5.7 million.
To help you understand what this looks like in practice, here are three recent TPD claim stories from our clients.
Mario secures $1 mil TPD benefit for severe depression
At just 35, Mario was forced to stop working at just 35 due to multiple mental health conditions, including psychosis and major depressive disorder. His insurer initially rejected his TPD claim, arguing he might return to work. That’s when Mario turned to us.
We quickly realised that Mario’s policy had an unusually strict TPD definition, so he couldn’t claim unless he met specific criteria, such as losing two limbs, having 25% permanent impairment, or being unable to dress himself. We knew that proving that his mental health conditions met these criteria would be challenging, but we were determined to help.
Our lawyers gathered detailed medical evidence from leading mental health experts, ensuring each report was tailored to the exact terms in Mario’s policy. Despite the insurer's arguments, they eventually conceded and overturned their decision. In the end, we secured Mario a $1 million payout just two months after taking on his case.
Read Mario's full story
Travis gets $500k TPD payout for PTSD — despite insurer claims he could work again
Travis was just 35 when severe PTSD left him unable to work. He came to us for help securing his financial future through a TPD claim. The insurer initially rejected the claim, arguing his condition hadn’t stabilised and he might be able to return to work. We challenged this by gathering updated reports from his treating psychiatrist, psychologist, and GP — all confirming his condition was unlikely to improve.
We also held the insurer to account under the Life Insurance Code of Practice, making detailed submissions on procedural fairness. Our thorough approach led to a successful outcome, and Travis was awarded a $500,000 TPD payout.
Read Travis' full story
How to make a successful TPD claim for mental health
To make a successful TPD claim for PTSD or another mental health condition, here are four steps you should follow:
Importantly, you don’t have to navigate these criteria alone. TPD claims for PTSD and other mental health conditions can be complex and difficult to prove, which is why we strongly recommend working with an expert lawyer.
We’ll use our national network of medical and employment experts to build strong, tailored evidence that clearly shows how your condition meets your policy’s TPD definition.
Do I need a lawyer for my TPD claim?
If you’re making a TPD claim for PTSD or another mental health condition, you need more than just a diagnosis — you must clearly show how your condition impacts your daily life and long-term ability to work. That’s where our expert TPD lawyers can make all the difference.
When you work with us, here’s what you can expect:
And best of all, with our No Win No Fee guarantee, it’s never been easier to get expert legal help. We cover all upfront costs, including legal fees, expert evidence and admin, and you’ll never pay a cent unless your claim succeeds.
Frequently asked questions
PTSD can affect people in different ways, but its symptoms usually fall into four main categories:
- Re-living the trauma: this might include flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts triggered by reminders of the event.
- Avoidance: you may avoid places, people, or situations that bring back painful memories.
- Mood and belief changes: feelings like guilt, shame, hopelessness, or emotional numbness can make it difficult to connect with others.
- Hyperarousal: constantly feeling on edge, jumpy, or struggling to sleep are common signs.
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and recognise these symptoms, you may be living with PTSD. Seeking professional help is a crucial first step, and it takes real strength to do so. If financial worries around treatment are adding to your stress, contact us today. Our lawyers can assist you in securing a TPD payout for PTSD.
Most TPD claims for mental health take around six months from the date they’re lodged. However, more complex cases can take up to 12 months to finalise. The exact timeframe depends on several key factors, including:
- Your benefit amount: larger payouts may face delays as insurers request extra medical tests or challenge your doctor’s reports. A skilled TPD lawyer can spot these tactics and push back to keep things moving.
- Severity of your condition: mental health conditions like severe PTSD or major depressive disorder often require more in-depth medical evidence. Your insurer may also ask for additional assessments, which can delay your claim. But don’t worry, your lawyer will push back on insurer requests, ensuring you only provide what’s necessary.
- Your policy terms: claims under broader TPD definitions are usually faster, while stricter policies may require more detailed evidence, which can extend the process.
- How your claim is prepared: poorly prepared claims can face significant delays. A specialist TPD lawyer will manage every detail, from gathering evidence to meeting deadlines, so your claim runs as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Want to know exactly how long your TPD claim will take? Get in touch. Once we’ve reviewed your situation, we can give you a clearer timeline estimate.
In some situations, yes, especially if you live in a rural or remote area where psychiatric care isn’t easily accessible. In these cases, a detailed report from your GP or local mental health provider might be enough to support your claim. However, many insurers prefer (and often require) an expert opinion from a psychiatrist, particularly for severe mental health conditions like PTSD.
That’s because psychiatrist reports carry more weight. They can provide a thorough, clinically recognised diagnosis and a clearer assessment of how your condition affects your ability to work long-term. So even if it’s technically possible to make a claim without seeing a psychiatrist, doing so can reduce your chances of success.
We understand that psychiatric care can be expensive, especially if you’re out of work or struggling financially. That’s why we cover the full cost of any upfront medical assessments you need for your claim, including psychiatrist appointments. If ongoing treatment is recommended, we’ll also cover those expenses.
TPD claims for mental health conditions like PTSD are just as valid as those for physical injuries, but they’re often more complex and harder to prove. That’s because physical injuries can usually be supported by clear medical evidence such as scans, X-rays, or surgical reports. In contrast, mental health claims rely more heavily on your personal account and psychological assessments, which are often seen as more subjective.
There are a few key reasons mental health claims can be more difficult:
- The impact is harder to quantify: it’s not enough to say you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD or depression. You need to prove how your condition affects your ability to work — not just now, but in the long term. This often requires in-depth psychiatric reports, employment assessments, and a careful explanation of how your symptoms interfere with your day-to-day life.
- The symptoms are invisible: with no physical signs or medical imaging to point to, it can be harder to demonstrate the full extent of your condition. PTSD, for example, may not show up on any test, yet still severely affect your ability to function or work.
- Symptoms can fluctuate: mental health conditions often don’t follow a straight line. You might have good days and bad days — which insurers can use to argue that you’re capable of returning to work, even if your condition is clearly long-term.
- Stigma still exists: despite growing awareness, there’s still a degree of scepticism around mental illness, especially from insurers. Some assessors may downplay how serious your condition is or suggest it’s temporary.
Because of these challenges, it’s essential to get help from a lawyer who understands mental health TPD claims. We know what evidence insurers look for, how to handle unfair decisions, and what it takes to prove your condition is permanent and disabling. With the right legal support, you’ll have a far stronger chance of securing the payout you’re entitled to.
Most TPD policies do cover mental health conditions, but there are some exceptions to be aware of:
- Pre-existing conditions: some policies exclude coverage for conditions you had before the policy started. However, having a pre-existing condition doesn’t automatically rule you out. It all depends on your policy’s specific terms.
- Underwritten policies: if your policy was underwritten at the start, coverage is based on your health at that time, so conditions you already had might be excluded.
These are just two common reasons mental health conditions might not be covered. Because policies can vary and be complex, it’s wise to consult a lawyer if you’re unsure. Our TPD team is ready to review your policy and provide free advice on your entitlements.
