For many people living with epilepsy, there comes a point where continuing to work is no longer realistic, whether because of seizure frequency, the effects of medication, restrictions on driving, or the combined toll of managing the condition over time.
If you are in that position, a total and permanent disability (TPD) claim through your superannuation fund may provide meaningful financial support, and the team at Superlaw Claims has helped many people in exactly this situation understand what they may be entitled to.
Can I Claim Income Protection With Epilepsy?
Income protection insurance can sit within your superannuation or outside of it. Many people are unaware they even have this insurance.
Typically, it covers a percentage of your income after a waiting period, usually around 30 to 90 days, and continues for a set benefit period depending on your policy. Some policies pay benefits for two years, while others can continue for much longer.
Income protection does not require you to prove that you will never work again. It is designed for people who are temporarily unable to work because of illness or injury.
For people living with epilepsy, income protection may provide important financial support during periods where seizures are not controlled, or where medication side effects make working unsafe or unrealistic.
It is often significantly more supportive than relying on Centrelink benefits.
Many people are relieved to discover they already have this cover through their superannuation.
Does Epilepsy Qualify for a TPD Claim?
Yes, epilepsy can qualify for a TPD claim if it has stopped you working in your usual occupation and it is unlikely you will be able to return to suitable work in the future.
A diagnosis of epilepsy alone is not enough. The key question is whether your condition, including seizures, side effects of medication, or safety concerns, prevents you from working in a role you are reasonably suited to based on your education, training and experience.
Every policy is different. Our team can quickly review your cover and explain where you stand.
Does the severity of my epilepsy affect my claim?
Not necessarily.
Some people experience infrequent, well-controlled seizures but are still unable to work due to medication side effects such as fatigue, slowed thinking or memory difficulties.
Others may experience more frequent or unpredictable seizures that make work unsafe or impossible, particularly in roles involving driving, machinery, or public safety.
The key question is always: how has your condition affected your ability to work?
The key question is always: what can you no longer do, and does that prevent you from doing work you’re reasonably suited to?
What if my epilepsy is controlled by medication?
Even when seizures are controlled, epilepsy can still impact work capacity.
Many anti-epileptic medications can cause side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, cognitive slowing or reduced concentration. In some cases, these effects can make it difficult to perform work safely or consistently.
The assessment is not just about seizure frequency – it is about overall functional capacity to work.
How Does the TPD Claims Process Work?
A TPD claim starts with us understanding your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.
We take the time to listen carefully to your story, then gather the medical records, specialist reports and employment history needed to support your claim – helping you understand what’s required and managing the process on your behalf.
While you focus on your health and your family, we deal directly with your super fund and insurer and work to achieve the best possible outcome as quickly as possible.
What if my epilepsy is controlled but I still cannot work?
This can be a common situation.
Even where seizures are controlled, many people are unable to return to work due to a combination of fatigue, medication effects, cognitive changes or restrictions on driving and safety-critical tasks.
TPD claims are based on your ability to work in a real-world sense, not just whether seizures are occurring.
We regularly assist clients whose condition is “medically controlled” but still functionally disabling.
FAQs
Yes.
You do not need to have stopped receiving treatment or have complete seizure control to make a claim. What matters is how your condition affects your ability to work now and into the future.
Not necessarily.
Whether epilepsy is focal, generalised or drug-resistant is only part of the picture. The key issue is the impact on your capacity to work reliably and safely.
We will explain how your individual circumstances fit with your insurance cover.
Yes.
Loss of driving privileges can significantly affect employment options, particularly where driving is required for work. This is one of the factors that may be considered in a TPD assessment.
This is a common scenario.
Many people live with epilepsy for years before their condition, medication side effects or seizure patterns make continuing work unrealistic.
TPD claims focus on your current and likely future capacity to work, not when you were first diagnosed.
Yes.
Living with epilepsy can have a significant psychological impact. Anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions that arise in this context can form part of a TPD claim where they affect your ability to work.
No.
Super funds do not automatically assess or pay TPD claims. A formal claim must be made, and the process can be complex and time-consuming without guidance.
We help manage this process from start to finish.
A declined claim does not necessarily mean the end of the road.
Superlaw Claims successfully assists clients with rejected and disputed claims every day. We review the reasons for the decision, explain your options and advise on the best path forward.
Living with epilepsy can be unpredictable and challenging enough without having to navigate a complex insurance process at the same time.
If you are no longer able to work and are unsure what insurance you may have, a free assessment with Superlaw Claims is a simple first step – with no obligation.
Our team has helped thousands of Australians understand what they are entitled to and pursue claims they did not know they had.
Get in touch today – it costs absolutely nothing to find out where you stand.
