32 Aussies are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day. That’s more than one person per hour!
Most people think Parkinson’s disease only affects older Australians.
While that’s true for many people, thousands are diagnosed while they’re still working. This is often called Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) or Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD), and it also affects people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
A diagnosis during your working years can be overwhelming. You’re building your career, paying a mortgage, raising children and planning for the future. When Parkinson’s begins to affect your ability to work, stress about your financial security can quickly become just as significant as the diagnosis.
At Superlaw Claims, our team understands both the medical issues involved in Parkinson’s disease and the laws affecting your rights and entitlements. We’ve helped thousands of Australians living with Parkinson’s understand what they may be entitled to and guide them through the claims process.
Even if you’ve only recently been diagnosed and hope to continue working, it’s worth understanding what insurance you may already have and how your policy may operate in the future.
Here are some of the most common types of benefits available.
Income Protection Claims For Parkinson’s
Income protection insurance may be held through your superannuation or outside of it. Many people don’t even realise they have this cover until they speak with us.
Income protection insurance generally replaces a significant portion of your income if illness prevents you from working. Payments usually begin after a waiting period, often 30, 60 or 90 days, and continue for a set period depending on your policy.
Unlike a TPD claim, income protection doesn’t require you to prove you’ll never work again. It simply recognises that, because of your illness, you’re currently unable to earn your normal income.
For many people diagnosed with Parkinson’s during their working years, income protection provides valuable financial support while symptoms progress, medications are adjusted, or work becomes increasingly difficult to manage. It is usually significantly more than relying solely on Centrelink benefits.
Many of our clients are relieved to discover they already have this cover through their superannuation.
Does Parkinson's Disease Qualify for a TPD Claim?
Yes. Parkinson’s disease will qualify for a TPD claim if it has reached the point where it has stopped you working and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to return to suitable work.
Many people with YOPD continue working for years after diagnosis. Others find the physical, cognitive or emotional demands of their job become impossible much sooner. Every situation is different.
Every insurance policy is different too, and the wording of your cover can make a significant difference. We can review your insurance and explain whether you’re likely to have a claim. It is always best to do this as early as possible after diagnosis.
Does the severity of Parkinson's affect my claim?
Usually not.
Some people with relatively mild physical symptoms still find themselves unable to continue working because of fatigue, slower thinking or reduced dexterity. Others continue working for years despite more advanced disease.
The type of work you do can also make a big difference. Someone working in a physically demanding role, operating machinery, driving professionally or performing detailed manual work may reach the point where work is no longer realistic much sooner than someone whose role places different demands on them.
The key question is: how has Parkinson’s affected your ability to work?
What if my Parkinson's symptoms fluctuate?
Many people worry that because their symptoms vary from day to day, they won’t qualify for a TPD claim.
As a progressive, incurable condition, people experience gradual changes that eventually affect their ability to work safely and consistently.
The focus isn’t whether you have good days and bad days. It’s the impact on your overall ability to work.
Can fatigue and slower thinking be enough to support a claim?
Yes.
Many people think Parkinson’s is only about tremors.
Fatigue, reduced concentration, slower thinking and changes in memory can have just as much impact on your ability to work as the physical symptoms.
We’ve successfully helped many clients whose claims were based on the combined impact of both physical and cognitive symptoms.
How Does the TPD Claims Process Work?
Every claim begins with understanding your medical condition, your work history and how Parkinson’s has affected your ability to do your job, or is expected to affect you, soon.
While you focus on managing your health, we’ll deal directly with your insurer and super fund, prepare your claim and work to achieve the best possible outcome as quickly as we can.
Our team has extensive experience helping Australians living with Parkinson’s successfully navigate the claims process.
FAQs
No.
This is often the best time to have a conversation.
Many people continue working for years after diagnosis, but some insurance policies contain conditions that can affect future entitlements. Understanding your cover early allows you to make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant legal surprises later.
We'll explain what insurance you have, what it covers and whether there are any important issues you should know about. Our advice is free.
Yes.
You don't have to wait until every treatment option has been exhausted before making a claim. If the available medical evidence indicates your ability to work is unlikely to recover, you’ll probably qualify.
Every situation is different, and we'll explain how your circumstances fit with your insurance policy.
This is very common.
Many people continue working for years after diagnosis before their symptoms eventually make work impossible.
Claims focus on your current and likely future capacity for work, not simply when you were first diagnosed. Sometimes, gaps in your work due to your condition can create legal complexities. We know how to navigate those.
Yes, this is also common.
Living with a progressive neurological condition usually has a significant psychological impact.
Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions that develop alongside Parkinson's may form part of your overall claim where they affect your ability to work.
We'll carefully consider your entire medical situation and explain your rights.
No.
Super funds don't contact members to tell them they may have insurance benefits available. Insurance you’ve paid for.
Many people are surprised to discover they already have TPD or income protection insurance through their superannuation.
That's why it's important to have someone who understands both the insurance and the law identify what cover you have and explain what benefits may be available.
Claims are wrongly denied by insurers every day.
Superlaw Claims successfully helps people challenge rejected and disputed claims every day. We'll review why your claim was declined, explain your options and advise on the best way forward.
Having experienced lawyers involved early can often make a significant difference, and our initial assessment is completely free.
Almost never. TPD claims don’t affect Centrelink entitlements like the DSP.
And your eligibility for and funding from the NDIS is not affected by TPD or income protection claims.
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s during your working years can change far more than your health. It can affect your career, your income, your family and the plans you’ve worked hard to build.
A free assessment with Superlaw Claims is a simple first step. There’s no obligation and no cost. hyperlink to free claim check form
