Multiple sclerosis can affect fatigue, mobility, vision, balance and cognitive function all at once. This guide explains how MS relates to a TPD claim through your superannuation — and why the diagnosis alone isn't the whole story.
You may be able to claim TPD for MS if the resulting disability satisfies the definition contained in your policy. The diagnosis itself is only one part of the assessment — relevant considerations may include your symptoms, functional restrictions, prognosis, ability to perform your occupation, treatment, cognitive and physical capacity, fatigue, reliability, and whether the impairment is permanent.
Weakness, stiffness, balance, tremor, mobility
Altered sensation, nerve pain, coordination, vision
Memory, concentration, thinking, processing
Reduced endurance, productivity, need for rest
Fatigue is one of the most important issues in MS, and can be easy to underestimate because it may not be visible to other people. Being able to perform a task is not necessarily the same as being able to sustain the task throughout a working week.
Possible difficulties include memory, concentration, attention, thinking, processing information, multitasking and finding words.
Someone may walk into a workplace appearing relatively unaffected while experiencing severe fatigue, cognitive problems, visual disturbance, nerve pain or sensory problems.
Yes. Walking ability alone does not determine TPD eligibility. A person may be physically mobile but still have substantial problems with fatigue, cognition, vision, concentration, balance, coordination, pain, endurance or reliability.
MS can involve relapses followed by periods of partial recovery, or progressive worsening of symptoms. Symptoms → Relapse → Treatment → Recovery → Residual Limitations → Future Capacity. Relevant evidence may include frequency of relapses, duration, severity, recovery, residual symptoms, work absences, reduced hours and overall prognosis.
An MRI can demonstrate evidence of MS-related changes, but it doesn't necessarily explain the full occupational impact. Where cognitive symptoms are important, a neuropsychological assessment may provide useful information.
Potentially, this doesn't rule out a claim. See TPD Claim While Working →
A change from a physical to a sedentary role, or full-time to part-time, doesn't automatically establish TPD. See TPD After Changing Jobs →
Potentially. TPD insurance is commonly available through superannuation. If MS has affected your capacity to work, check your current and previous super accounts.
MS may occur alongside other conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, migraine, arthritis or other neurological conditions. See TPD Multiple Conditions →
No standard amount or automatic rule — depends on policy, function, and evidence.
Read more →The exact test differs between policies.
Reduced hours, modified duties or a failed attempt can help establish actual capacity.
Multiple super accounts can mean multiple relevant TPD policies to check.
Read more →MS is one of several neurological conditions that can affect a person's capacity for employment.
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Start by checking whether you have TPD insurance and understanding the policy definition that applies. You don't need to know whether you qualify before asking.
Check Your TPD Eligibility →Medical Conditions
Can you claim TPD for multiple sclerosis? Learn how MS fatigue, mobility changes, cognitive symptoms, relapses and other functional limitations may affect work capacity, medical evidence and insurance through super.
Start by checking whether you have TPD insurance and understanding the policy definition that applies. You don't need to know whether you qualify before asking.
Check Your TPD Eligibility →If any of this sounds like your situation, a two minute eligibility check will tell you where you stand. Free, confidential, no obligation.