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 provide a substantial lump sum payment to help support you long-term. The average TPD payout is between $60,000 and $450,000, but your specific policy could be worth $2 million or more.
To give you a better idea of how much you could expect, here are four recent TPD success stories from our clients.
While these examples show what's possible, your outcome will depend on your specific policy terms and the medical evidence provided. If you're unsure where you stand, we can provide a free confidential TPD case review.
A successful TPD claim depends on more than just ‘having an injury’. It requires a specific strategy to meet the strict definitions found your superannuation policy. Here’s how our process helped these Australians overcome their insurers and secure their full TPD benefits:
When Pieta was diagnosed with breast cancer, she initially lodged her TPD claim independently, only to have the insurer turn her down. This is a common hurdle where insurers identify gaps in early medical documentation to justify a rejection.
Our approach was to bridge those gaps. We launched a formal dispute and focused on gathering medical evidence that specifically addressed the policy criteria the insurer claimed weren’t met. By presenting a more comprehensive clinical picture, we successfully pressured the insurer to reverse their decision, and Pieta received a $1.2 million TPD payout.
Find out if you’re eligible for a TPD claim today.
Aaron’s case involved a serious psychological injury, but his policy contained highly restrictive terms that made a standard application likely to fail. In these cases, the policy’s definition of TPD is often the biggest barrier to an approval.
We moved beyond basic doctor’s notes and funded an independent, detailed employability assessment. This report specifically maps a person’s medical limitations against the actual labor market. By proving that Aaron’s condition made him ‘unemployable’ under the specific legal wording of his policy, we secured him a $1 million TPD benefit.
When Mario had to stop working due to a severe psychological illness, we knew his age would be a challenge in securing his TPD benefit. Insurers are often more skeptical of TPD claims for younger workers, frequently arguing that there is potential for future recovery or retraining.
Our lawyers coordinated with multiple treating professionals to document the impact on his daily functional capacity. By providing undeniable proof that he could no longer perform the requirements of his role — or any other suited to his education and experience — we successfully secured his $1 million payout within just two months.
Juliette was 44 when multiple conditions forced her out of her role as a regional supervisor. The insurer attempted to deny her claim by arguing she had ‘transferable skills’ and could be retrained for remote desk work.
Our strategy focused on debunking the idea that a desk job was a viable option given the complexity of her bowel disease and PTSD. We gathered targeted reports from her specialists that didn’t just list her diagnoses, but specifically explained why retraining was medically impossible. By addressing the transferable skills argument head-on with clinical facts, we secured her $700,000 payout in just four weeks.
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:
Even if you qualify under the policy, a weak or incomplete application can still be rejected. With decades of experience, we know exactly what insurers look for — and how to secure the benefit you deserve.
If you’re claiming for a condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, a diagnosis is only the first step. Success hinges on proving how your symptoms translate into a total inability to work long-term.
Insurers often argue that mental health conditions are ‘temporary’ or ‘manageable’ with different medication. We counter this by specifically mapping your clinical symptoms to your actual job requirements.
While you can make a TPD claim alone, most people find the process overwhelming because the insurer holds all the cards. Here is how our specialist approach changes the dynamic of your claim:
| The challenge | Filing on your own | With our TPD lawyers |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | You rely on basic GP notes that may not meet strict policy definitions. | We fund and coordinate independent vocational and psychiatric reports to build a watertight case. |
| Policy definitions | You have to interpret complex policy terms yourself. | We tailor your application to meet the exact legal criteria of your specific super policy. |
| Insurers | Insurers often use 'delay and deny' tactics on unrepresented claimants. | We handle all communication, challenge unfair requests, and prevent unnecessary delays. |
| The 'transferable skills' trap | The insurer may claim you can retrain for a desk job you aren't fit for. | We use specialist evidence to debunk the retraining myth and prove your total incapacity. |
| Costs | You pay for medical reports and specialist fees out of your own pocket. | No Win, No Fee. We cover all upfront costs for expert evidence so you are never out of pocket. If your claim isn't successful, you won't pay a thing. |
The way your claim is prepared can significantly affect its outcome and timeline. Learn more about how lawyers can speed up the TPD claims process.
Use our online claim checker to instantly find out if you have a claim. Alternatively, just give us a ring — our expert lawyers are always ready to answer your questions.
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