Motor Neurone Disease and work
Because Motor Neurone Disease MND can progressively affect movement, speech, swallowing and breathing, it can have a profound effect on employment and independence. If MND has affected your ability to work, you may have TPD insurance through your superannuation.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a group of conditions affecting motor neurons, the nerve cells that carry messages allowing the body to move, speak, swallow and breathe. Progressive damage to these neurons causes increasing muscle weakness. There are different forms of MND, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As the disease progresses, increasing support may be required, and symptoms vary depending on the type and areas affected.
Work capacity
Lifting, carrying, walking, standing, using tools, operating machinery, driving
Typing, writing, communicating effectively, working safely without assistance, managing fatigue and speech changes
The progression can be particularly significant for manual and physically demanding occupations, but office and professional employment can also be affected as physical limitations, speech difficulties and fatigue progress.
Yes, potentially. The progressive nature of MND can result in substantial and lasting restrictions on employment, but the specific requirements of the relevant insurance policy still need to be considered. A potential assessment may look at diagnosis, progression and functional limitations; treatment, management and physical capacity; communication and your occupation; and your education, training, experience and prognosis. MND is a particularly important example of why the effect of a condition on work capacity should be assessed in context, rather than relying on the diagnosis alone. See TPD Medical Evidence →
An MND diagnosis can create immediate uncertainty about employment, finances and the future. You don't need to work out the insurance side of your situation on your own. Thrive Claims can investigate potentially relevant TPD insurance through your superannuation and assist with navigating the claims process.
Questions, answered
Straight answers about motor neurone disease, work capacity and TPD claims, written in plain English.
Motor neurone disease can progress quickly, and as strength, speech and movement change, TPD claims are often one of the first things worth checking. Our superannuation claims support helps identify cover so that time and energy are spent where they matter. An income protection claim may also be available, and if you hold more than one fund, claims across multiple superannuation funds may apply. Our services bring each option together in one place.
MND is not usually caused by any particular event. That is not a barrier, because TPD looks at your policy terms and your ability to work rather than how the condition began. Some policies also include terminal illness provisions. Claims centre on physical injury or illness, and may also recognise mental health impacts such as grief and depression after diagnosis.
If MND has led to the Disability Support Pension or NDIS support, reviewing your super insurance can be a sensible next step. These supports do not automatically confirm Total & Permanent Disability (TPD) claims eligibility, but it may have valid basis. If you have also been involved in a motor vehicle accident, Thrive Claims can explain how separate claims may interact.
Specialist claim pathways
Australia wide support
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Start with a free assessment of your circumstances and any TPD cover held through superannuation.