TPD Claims: Read Success Stories & See How Much You Could Get
If you’re injured and permanently unable to work, you could be entitled to a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim through your superannuation policy.
Unlike weekly workers compensation payments, TPD claims can provide a substantial lump sum payment to help support you long-term. The average TPD payout is between $60,000 and $450,000 — but depending on your policy, you could receive up to $2 million.
To give you a better idea of how much you could expect, here are four recent TPD claim stories from our clients.
Our recent TPD claim success stories
After Pieta’s first claim was denied, we secured her a $1.2 mil TPD benefit
When Pieta was diagnosed with breast cancer, she tried to claim a TPD benefit through her super — but the insurer turned her down. That’s when she reached out to us. Our TPD lawyers have handled hundreds of these cases, and we were ready to fight back on Pieta’s behalf.
We quickly lodged a dispute and began building a strong case for appeal, gathering extensive medical evidence to back Pieta’s claim. In the end, the insurer reversed its decision — even praising our lawyers for the depth of the evidence we provided — and Pieta received a $1.2 million payout.
Read Pieta’s full story
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Aaron wins $1 mil for psych condition despite strict policy terms
After suffering a serious psychological injury, Aaron tried to make a TPD claim. However, his policy terms were extremely strict, and it seemed unlikely he’d be eligible for a payout. That’s when our lawyers stepped in. We knew that the right strategy and strong medical evidence would make all the difference.
We brought in top independent medical experts and funded a detailed employability assessment — a critical report many clients couldn’t afford on their own. Thanks to this extra evidence and a carefully prepared application, Aaron was awarded a $1 million TPD payout.
Read Aaron’s full story
Mario secures $1 mil despite insurer’s claims he could work again
When Mario had to stop working at just 35 due to a severe psychological illness, his insurer tried to reject his TPD claim, arguing he might one day return to work. His super policy had a strict definition of TPD, and we knew proving eligibility would take strong, targeted evidence.
Our expert lawyers worked quickly, gathering expert reports from multiple treating professionals to show that Mario couldn’t do basic daily tasks like dressing or personal hygiene. Within two months, we successfully secured a $1 million TPD payout for Mario.
Read Mario’s full story
Juliette wins $700k in 4 weeks — despite insurer claiming her skills were transferable
Juliette, 44, was forced to leave her role as a regional supervisor due to a combination of serious physical and psychiatric conditions — including bowel disease, heart complications, PTSD, and an acquired brain injury. Her health issues made it impossible for her to keep working.
When she lodged a TPD claim, the insurer argued she could retrain for remote work and refused to pay. They claimed her professional background meant she still had transferable skills.
We knew Juliette deserved better. Our lawyers collected detailed reports from her GP and specialists, clearly showing her conditions ruled out any future work. Just four weeks after we submitted her claim, Juliette received a $700,000 TPD payout.
Read Juliette’s full story
What percentage of TPD claims are successful?
According to Insurance Watch, around 84% of TPD claims in Australia are successful. But when you work with our expert lawyers, that success rate jumps up to 98%.
The exact outcome of your claim depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your condition.
- The terms of your super policy.
- And above all, how well your claim is prepared.
Even if you qualify under the policy, a weak or incomplete application can still be rejected. That’s why we focus on building watertight claims backed by strong medical evidence. With decades of experience, we know exactly what insurers look for — and how to secure the benefit you deserve.
How do I make a successful TPD mental health claim?
If you’re making a TPD claim for a mental health condition — such as depression, anxiety or PTSD — success hinges on how well your claim is prepared. It’s not enough to have a diagnosis; you need to clearly show how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work long-term. That’s where our expert TPD lawyers come in.
Here’s how we build strong, evidence-backed mental health TPD claims:
- Tailored to your super policy: every policy is different, so we make sure your claim meets the exact requirements of yours.
- Beyond standard medical forms: instead of generic reports, we create a detailed picture showing how your condition limits your ability to work.
- Collaborative medical evidence: we work closely with your GP, psychiatrist, and other specialists to gather high-quality, relevant medical evidence.
- Clear proof of work impact: we translate your symptoms into real workplace effects — for example, showing how anxiety might stop you from managing staff or speaking in meetings. We also bring in independent vocational experts to demonstrate the long-term impact on your life.
- Challenging insurer claims: insurers often claim that mental health issues are temporary. We counter this with strong evidence and experience to prove your condition is ongoing.
Do I need a lawyer to make a successful TPD claim?
While you can make a claim on your own, working with a lawyer gives your claim the best chance of success. TPD claims are complex, and without the right guidance, you risk missing out on the full benefits you deserve.
Here’s how an experienced TPD lawyer can support you through the process:
- Understanding your policy: TPD policies vary, especially in terms of how they define ‘permanently disabled’. A lawyer will carefully review your specific policy and tailor your claim to fit its exact terms.
- Gathering strong evidence: proving you can’t work again requires more detailed proof than most personal injury claims. Your lawyer will coordinate with medical experts to thoroughly assess your condition and build a solid case.
- Handling insurer negotiations: your lawyer manages all communication with the insurer, challenging their assessments and disputing unfair requests. We’ll work to prevent unnecessary delays and avoid invasive tests where possible.
- Avoiding delays: insurers often stall claims from people without legal representation. A skilled lawyer knows how to overcome these tactics and help get your claim processed faster.
- Managing costs: With a No Win No Fee lawyer, you won’t pay upfront for expert reports or tests. And if your claim isn’t successful, you won’t ever get a bill from us.
