Total & Permanent Disability

Guide to TPD Claims for Mental Illness

By LHD Lawyers

Does TPD cover mental health?

If you are suffering debilitating TPD mental health issues it is important to ask “does TPD cover mental health?” It’s easy to imagine only physical injuries are covered by TPD claims, however while these injuries are often easier to prove, the TPD claim mental illness success rate is quite high when you meet the requirements to claim your entitlements. Whether you have suffered anxiety, post traumatic stress or want to make a TPD claim for depression, TPD claims for mental illness are usually available through your superannuation whether you are employed privately, by the state or have a TPD mental illness and are self employed.

How does a TPD claim for mental illness work?

Ideally TPD claims for mental illness start before you even suffer TPD mental illness, by ensuring that you have cover with your superannuation fund for TPD mental illness. You can look at your policy when you take it out and ensure that you are able to claim TPD for mental illness. You can also take out other options with your policy like claiming TPD for mental illness if you are unable to work in any occupation or just your particular field of expertise. You can also ensure you are covered for assistance in running your home should you need to make a TPD claim for mental illness and are no longer able to run the household.

If you have suffered a TPD mental health injury, the process for claiming TPD for mental illness involves meeting the required disability level, satisfying minimum wait times and fulfilling all the requirements around work history.  If you are suffering a TPD mental health injury, making a claim can be daunting, which is why it is a good idea to employ expert TPD mental health lawyers to support you throughout the process. 

What TPD mental health injuries can be claimed?

A TPD claim for mental illness involves a mental illness which has been diagnosed by a doctor, in order to be considered a TPD mental health injury, this mental health disorder needs to interfere with your social, emotional or cognitive abilities so much so that you are permanently disabled. Conditions which may be considered when claiming TPD for mental illness include:

  • Severe anxiety: this TPD mental illness can include breathing difficulties, panic attacks, racing heart and a fear of open spaces
  • Severe depression: this TPD mental illness can include being unable to do simple tasks such as getting dressed or leaving the house, rendering you unable to function
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: this TPD mental illness can include panic attacks, anxiety and depression symptoms due to experiencing a traumatic event

You may be denied TPD payment due to your mental state being declared legally competent. So it’s important to regularly see a healthcare professional and keep good records in order to increase your TPD claim mental illness success rate.

How long can a TPD claim for mental illness take?

TPD claims for mental illness can unfortunately take a long time to process. You can be denied TPD payment due to mental state legally competent, so you need to ensure you have regular treatment from a doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist and ensure you are well engaged with them – this is the key to a higher TPD claim mental illness success rate. A simple TPD claim for mental illness can take two to three months however, more complex cases can take from six months to multiple years to settle.

What’s required from doctors for a TPD claim for mental illness?

When claiming TPD for mental illness you and your doctor, psychiatrist and/or psychologist will need to:

  1. Maintain regular appointments, advice and mental health care
  2. Experience regular care and treatment from your expert health practitioner
  3. Undergo rehabilitative treatment

Why choose LHD lawyers for a TPD claim for mental illness?

Experiencing a TPD mental illness is traumatic and affects your life deeply and permanently. Due to this, you may not have the mental energy or strength to go through the process of finding out your entitlements through your superannuation fund. This is why it is advisable to have expert TPD mental health lawyers in your corner when claiming TPD payouts for mental illness. LHD’s lawyers can guide you through the process, stand up to your insurers and superannuation fund and ensure you follow the waiting periods and process to the letter, increasing your TPD claim mental illness success rate. LHD’s TPD mental health lawyers are no win no fee lawyers, meaning that if we are unable to claim your TPD benefits, you don’t have to pay us our fees.

Contact us today or call 1800 455 725 to arrange a consultation.

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