If bipolar disorder has stopped you working, you may be entitled to a lump sum payout or income protection payments through insurance you already have in your superannuation.
Bipolar disorder can affect your mood, energy, concentration, judgement and ability to manage everyday life, including work.
Losing your ability to work creates financial and family pressure, particularly when you’re already managing a condition that requires ongoing treatment.
At Superlaw Claims, we understand both the medical complexities of bipolar disorder and the insurance laws affecting your rights and entitlements. We’ve helped many Australians with mental health conditions win TPD and income protection claims.
You may have more options than you realise.
Can you make a TPD claim for Bipolar Disorder?
Yes. Bipolar disorder can qualify for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance claim.
TPD insurance provides a lump sum payment if illness or injury prevents you from returning to the type of works you’ve done.
You don’t need to experience severe symptoms every day, have been hospitalised or have stopped treatment to qualify.
What matters is how bipolar disorder affects your ability to work, and whether you’re likely to return to the type of work you’ve done in the past.
We’ll review your situation and explain whether you’re likely to have a claim.
How can Bipolar Disorder – “good” and bad days.
For TPD claims, the issue isn’t simply whether you can work on a good day. It’s whether you can reliably and consistently return to suitable employment.
What if your Bipolar symptoms come and go?
This is very common.
You may experience periods of stability followed by significant depressive or manic episodes that make working impossible.
You might even return to work after treatment, only to experience another episode that prevents you from continuing.
Periods of improvement don’t automatically mean you can hold down a job over the longer term.
We understand how fluctuating psychiatric conditions affect working capacity and how to present this evidence to insurers.
Can Bipolar Disorder TPD claims be more difficult?
Not necessarily. We understand that bipolar symptoms aren’t always visible or easily measured, but they are real.
Your symptoms may fluctuate, and insurers may question whether treatment or periods of stability mean you can return to work.
That’s why having the right medical evidence and preparing your claim properly is crucial.
Our team understands the medical and legal issues involved in bipolar disorder claims. We know what evidence insurers require, how to work with your treating doctors and how to demonstrate the impact of your condition on your ability to work.
We’ve won insurance payouts for thousands of people with complex mental health issues.
Can you claim Income Protection for Bipolar Disorder?
Yes. You may also have income protection insurance through your superannuation or a separate insurance policy.
Income protection replaces most of your income if illness prevents you from working.
Unlike TPD insurance, income protection doesn’t necessarily require you to demonstrate that you’ll be permanently unable to return to work.
Depending on your policy, payments may begin after a waiting period, often 30, 60 or 90 days, and continue for a period determined by your policy. Usually at least a year. Often much longer.
For someone who has stopped working because of bipolar disorder, income protection may provide valuable financial support during treatment.
You may also be entitled to both income protection and TPD benefits.
Many people don’t realise they have this insurance until someone checks their superannuation cover.
How does the Bipolar Disorder TPD claims process work?
Every claim begins with understanding your situation.
At Superlaw Claims, we take the time to listen, understand your medical history and how bipolar disorder has affected your ability to work.
We then review your insurance and assess what you could claim.
When we manage your claim, we take the stress off you by gathering the supporting evidence, including reports from your GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other treating specialists, along with your work history.
We deal directly with your insurer and super fund, working to achieve the best possible outcome, faster.
You can focus on your health while we focus on your claim.
Better starts now. Take the first step.
Living with bipolar disorder that has stopped you working can be incredibly difficult.
You don’t need to understand insurance law or know whether your condition qualifies before speaking with us.
That’s our job, and it’s a free chat.
We’ll listen to your story, review your insurance and explain what you may be entitled to.
It costs nothing to find out where you stand.
Complete our Free Claim Check or call 1300 330 542 to speak with our experienced team.
Better Starts Now.
FAQs
No. It's about how your condition affects your ability to work, the medical evidence and your insurance policy, not just your symptoms.
We'll review your circumstances and explain whether you're likely to have a claim.
Yes, you may still qualify. Periods of stability don't necessarily mean you can keep a job.
We'll consider your medical history, and likely future ability to work.
That's common. You can still make a TPD claim.
We'll review your circumstances and explain your options.
Not necessarily. You can make a claim while receiving medication, psychiatric care or psychological treatment.
What matters is whether the medical evidence supports your claim.
Yes. Some bipolar medications can cause fatigue, drowsiness or difficulty concentrating. They can affect your ability to work.
We'll consider the combined impact of all conditions on your ability to work, including physical and mental health conditions.
No. Many Australians have TPD or income protection insurance through their super without realising they have that safety net.
This is insurance you may already be paying for, not a government benefit. We can check your cover and explain what you may be entitled to.
A rejected claim doesn't necessarily mean you're not entitled to a payout. We can advise you.
We regularly help clients challenge rejected claims. We'll review the insurer's decision, assess the evidence and explain your options. Our initial assessment is free.
No. Most TPD claims will not affect your Centrelink. TPD and income protection claims do not affect NDIS.
Some types of claims will affect Centrelink, such as income protection claims. Let us advise you on your best options.
