Mental illness or any mental health condition can be completely debilitating. Several individuals suffering from mental illness find themselves unable to work and provide financial assistance to their families. Although the improvement of mental health depends on individual progress, people dealing with mental illness can seek financial assistance in the form of TPD insurance. Most superannuation policies include Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance, which pays you a certain amount if you’re unable to work due to disability or mental illness.

It is well established that individuals can consider claiming TPD insurance if they are disabled and incapable to earn due to their disability. However, physical injuries or illnesses are not the only in-capabilities that come under the TPD category. People suffering from deteriorating mental health conditions – who cannot work and earn – can also claim TPD for their mental illness. TPD insurance provides financial assistance for various mental health conditions – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, severe anxiety, and more.

In this guide, we have answered a few relevant questions related to the TPD claim for mental illness.

Can I apply TPD claim for mental illness?

Individuals going through a mental illness that restricts them to work and support financially can claim TPD. However, you need to understand that various aspects will determine whether you can claim TPD or not. Here are a few aspects that will determine your TPD claims:

  • Worked in the 12 months before being diagnosed with mental illness 
  • Unable to return to work due to mental illness
  • Superannuation insurance

I Can’t Work Because of My Mental Illness. What Do I Do?

First and foremost, get some professional help. Visit your trusted GP to diagnose the root of your condition. A diagnosis from a medical expert can help determine the severity of mental illness. If your mental illness was developed due to work pressure, you might be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim. Individuals who cannot return to work at all should find out whether they can make a TPD mental health insurance claim.

What Psychological Issues Do You Need for TPD Payout?

A mental health condition means going through any sort of illness or disorder that directly affects your cognitive, emotional, or social abilities. The condition should be diagnosed by an expert medical practitioner who can determine whether the illness or disorder is causing hindrance in your everyday life. If it impacts your life to such an extent that the condition is totally and permanently disabling, you can claim for TPD. 

TPD insurance provides a lump sum payment on various mental health conditions, including:

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder – commonly known as PTSD – is one of the most common mental health conditions triggered when individuals are exposed to any past traumatic event. Individuals have either experienced or witnessed this trauma, resulting in sudden flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a type of mental health condition which is often characterised by the feeling of worry, panic or fear. Most individuals dealing with severe or permanently disabling anxiety experience various issues that interfere with their daily activities. Some causes of severe or permanently disabling anxiety include difficulty in breathing, sweating, heart rate fluctuation, and agoraphobia.

Depression

Depression is one of the severe forms of mental health condition that obstructs an individual to function properly. Reports show that most TPD claims paid for mental illness by insurance companies were related to depression. TPD claims for depression are unfortunate but common.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is yet another common mental health condition that impacts the overall well-being of an individual. The early stages of Schizophrenia can change the way a person sleeps, their emotion, communication, emotion, and thinking ability. However, in the later stage, they may feel angered, panicked, or depressed.

Is TPD Claim Approved Based on the Cause of Mental Illness or Mental Health Issue?

To answer your question – No. Whether you are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or any type of mental health condition, you can claim superannuation claims. 

You simply have to prove that your ongoing mental health condition is restricting you to work and providing financial assistance to your family. As long as you complete the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation to support your mental condition, you can claim TPD insurance and get the lump sum amount. 

You can also consider the assistance of an insurance lawyer in Brisbane to know more about your TPD claim right.

Get Legal and Professional Help for TPD claim for mental illness

Although mental illness or disorder is covered under TPD insurance, the entire process can be complex and challenging. Even a tiny mistake during the process can delay your claim or get rejected. If you don’t want to deal with complexities surrounding TPD claim procedure and ensure timely lump sum pay, associate with our highly experienced and knowledgeable TPD lawyer in Brisbane. We will ensure your TPD claim is prepared thoroughly and meets every requirement. For more information, call us on 1800 865 225.