How Long Do TPD Claims Take in Australia?
For Australians who can no longer work due to illness, injury, or mental health conditions, a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim can be life-changing. It provides a financial safety net when employment is no longer possible.
But if you’ve started or are considering a claim, one of your biggest questions is likely: “How long does a TPD claim take?”
The truth? TPD claims can take anywhere from a few months to well over a year. The difference depends on who manages your claim, how proactive they are, and how efficiently evidence is gathered.
This guide breaks down typical claim timelines, why delays happen, and how Insurance Helper consistently resolves claims in around 3 months on average—far faster than the industry norm.
Typical TPD Claim Timelines in Australia
The time it takes to process a TPD claim can vary dramatically. Here’s a breakdown:
| Claim Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Self-managed claim | 12+ months |
| Through a generalist lawyer | 9-12 months |
| With an experienced TPD lawyer | 6-12 months |
| Insurance Helper | 3-6 months |
Industry benchmarks
- According to APRA, TPD insurance claims have the longest average claims processing duration.
- Cbus and other funds have faced ASIC scrutiny for mishandling claims, with members waiting over a year for approval.
- Thousands of complaints are lodged with the
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) each year about super fund and insurer delays.
So while 6–12 months is the norm, the process can be much faster, or much slower, depending on how it’s managed.
Why Do TPD Claims Take So Long?
Even if your disability is clear, delays are common. Here’s why:
1. Insurer and super fund tactics
Funds and insurers often slow things down with:
- Repeated requests for medical evidence
- Demands for multiple specialist reports
- Ongoing “clarifications” or follow-ups
2. Paperwork overload
TPD claims require extensive forms, statutory declarations, employer letters, and medical records. A single missing form can add months to your wait.
3. Generalist lawyers
Many firms that handle wills, property disputes, or compensation cases also take on TPD claims. But without a proactive TPD strategy, insurers can easily stall these cases. And often, if TPD matters won't generate as much profit as their other areas of work, these firms won’t prioritise them - leaving clients waiting months longer than necessary.
That’s why working with a firm that specialises in TPD claims is often a smarter choice, ensuresing your claim gets the focus and expertise it needs.
Factors That Affect TPD Claim Timeframes
Not all claims are equal. Here are the main variables that influence how long your claim will take:
- Type of medical condition: Mental health claims often face more scrutiny than physical injuries.
- Quality of evidence: Thorough, well-prepared medical and employment records reduce back-and-forth.
- Disputes or appeals: If an insurer contests eligibility, claims can extend well past a year.
- Super fund processes: Some funds are more efficient than others.
- Your representation: A specialist TPD claim manager is the biggest factor in shortening timelines.
Case Scenarios: Why Timelines Vary
| Scenario 1 – Sarah’s Self-Managed Claim | Scenario 2 – James’ Mental Health Claim with a Generalist Lawyer | Scenario 3 – Insurance Helper Case |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah, 45, stopped working due to chronic back pain. She tried managing her claim alone. It took her 14 months to get approval because she missed forms and struggled to keep up with insurer requests. | James, 38, lodged a claim for severe depression. His generalist lawyer didn’t anticipate the insurer’s pushback. The claim dragged on for 11 months before approval. | One of our clients with multiple sclerosis had her TPD claim approved in 3.5 months. Because we gathered medical records proactively and anticipated objections, the insurer had no grounds to delay. |
How Insurance Helper Gets TPD Claims Done Faster
We specialise exclusively in TPD claims. That gives us a big advantage.
- Proactive evidence gathering: We know exactly what insurers need, and what’s unnecessary.
- AI-assisted workflows: Our systems cut through admin bottlenecks and track claims in real-time.
- Specialist-only focus: Unlike generalist firms, TPD claims are our only focus.
- Fluent in insurer tactics: We anticipate objections and respond quickly.
- Clear communication: No waiting months for updates, we keep you informed.
Thanks to this approach, our average TPD claim is resolved in
3 - 6 months, compared to the industry’s 6–12 months.
What You Can Do to Speed Up Your TPD Insurance Claim
While some delays are out of your control, here’s how you can help:
- Stay on top of medical appointments – up-to-date records make claims easier.
- Respond quickly – return forms and information as soon as possible.
- Keep documents organised – payslips, certificates, and reports should be accessible.
- Seek expert help early – the sooner a specialist gets involved, the less chance of delays.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent forms
- Relying solely on your super fund’s guidance
- Choosing a lawyer with little TPD experience
- Not challenging unnecessary requests from insurers
What Happens if Your TPD Claim is Delayed?
If your claim drags on:
- You may experience serious financial strain.
- You can escalate delays through AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority).
- ASIC also investigates systemic delays in superannuation claims.
- With legal support, you may be able to challenge unreasonable requests and force faster decisions.
Myths About TPD Claim Timelines
| “All claims take at least a year.” | Not true. Many are finalised in under 6 months with the right support. |
|---|---|
| “Mental health claims always get rejected.” | False. Mental health claims are valid, but need strong medical evidence. |
| “There’s nothing you can do to speed it up.” | Incorrect. Working with specialists and gathering strong evidence early can shave months off your claim. |
Frequently Asked Questions about TPD Claims
How long does a TPD claim usually take?
Typically, TPD claims processed by generalist law firms or insurance companies can take 6 to 12 months or longer. At Insurance Helper, we specialise in TPD claims and use smart workflows to reduce this to around 3 months on average.
What is a TPD insurance claim?
A TPD insurance claim is a request for your Total and Permanent Disability benefit, usually provided through your superannuation fund. It helps if you’re unable to work due to injury, illness, or mental health conditions.
Why do TPD claims take so long?
Many law firms are generalists and don’t prioritise TPD claims, leading to slow progress. Insurers often use stalling tactics, such as requesting excessive medical evidence, which further delays the claim. Complex paperwork also adds to the time.
How do you differ from TPD lawyers?
Unlike general TPD lawyers who handle many different legal areas, Insurance Helper focuses solely on TPD claims. Our deep expertise, insider knowledge, and AI-assisted workflows enable us to move faster and more efficiently, helping clients get approved sooner.
Does Insurance Helper charge upfront fees?
No. We work on a no win, no fee basis. You only pay if your claim is successful, and our fees are typically lower than traditional lawyers.
Can you help if my TPD claim was previously rejected?
Yes. Many of our clients come to us after their claims were delayed or denied by insurers or super funds. Our specialist approach often uncovers new evidence or better ways to present your claim.
How do I start a TPD claim with Insurance Helper?
You can start by booking a free consultation on our website. We will assess your eligibility and guide you through the entire TPD claims process with support every step of the way.
Ready to fast-track your TPD claim?
If you’re struggling to get your TPD insurance claim paid, don’t wait for months of delays. Contact Insurance Helper today for a free consultation and discover how specialist knowledge, smart technology, and genuine care can make all the difference.
