Mental health conditions can be just as disabling as physical injuries, and just as valid a basis for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim. If a psychological or psychiatric condition has significantly affected your ability to work, you may be entitled to a TPD payout through your superannuation, along with income protection benefits, in the same way as someone with a physical injury or illness.
Thrive Claims has direct experience supporting clients with claims relating to conditions including:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including workplace and first-responder-related trauma
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic stress and burnout-related conditions
- Psychological injury arising from workplace bullying, harassment, or traumatic incidents
- Other diagnosed psychiatric conditions affecting work capacity
Why Mental Health Claims Are Often Handled Poorly
Mental health TPD claims are frequently under-supported, misunderstood, or denied on first attempt, not because the conditions are less serious, but because they're harder to evidence in the way insurers require. Common issues include:
- Stigma and self-minimisation. Many people under-report the severity of their own symptoms to treating doctors, which can weaken the medical evidence insurers rely on.
- Inconsistent treatment history. Gaps in treatment (common with mental health conditions, for many valid reasons) can be misread by insurers as evidence the condition isn't severe or permanent.
- Vague psychiatric reports. Reports need to clearly link your diagnosis to your specific incapacity to work, a general diagnosis alone is often not enough to satisfy insurer or trustee requirements.
- "Any occupation" definitions. Because mental health conditions can affect concentration, reliability, and stress tolerance across many types of work, "any occupation" tests need to be addressed thoroughly and specifically, not assumed to be self-evident.
How Thrive Claims Supports Mental Health Claims
- A confidential, judgement-free process. We understand that discussing a mental health condition can feel exposing. Our team manages your claim with discretion and sensitivity at every stage.
- Working with the right treating team. We help coordinate reports from psychiatrists, psychologists, and GPs that clearly and specifically address your work capacity, not just your diagnosis.
- Framing your evidence correctly. We help ensure your claim reflects the true, ongoing impact of your condition, including where treatment gaps or inconsistent history exist for legitimate reasons.
- Considering related physical impacts. Many mental health conditions come with physical symptoms (fatigue, sleep disruption, chronic pain) that are also relevant to a claim, we make sure the full picture is captured.
- No win, no fee, always. As with every claim type we manage, there is no upfront cost, and nothing payable unless your claim succeeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mental health TPD claim treated differently from a physical injury claim? The legal definitions applied are generally the same, but the type of medical evidence required, and how insurers scrutinise it, differs. Mental health claims typically need more specific psychiatric evidence directly addressing work capacity.
What if I've had gaps in my treatment history? Gaps in treatment don't automatically disqualify a claim. We help present your treatment history accurately, including the reasons behind any gaps, as part of a complete claim.
Will my claim information stay confidential? Yes. Your medical and personal information is handled with strict confidentiality throughout the claims process, shared only with the parties necessary to assess and progress your claim.
Can I make a claim for a condition caused by my workplace? Yes, potentially, including through both a TPD claim and, separately, a workers' compensation claim where applicable. We can help you understand which entitlements may apply to your situation.
If you've come across this page because you're currently struggling with your mental health, please know that support is available beyond what's discussed here — Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are available 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk to someone.
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