Disclaimer – This article is for general information and education purposes only. It is not financial or legal advice. All TPD claims are different, and it is important to remember that timescales will vary according to your super fund, insurer, medical evidence, and whether or not your claim is disputed. For advice specific to your situation, please contact a superannuation/insurance-claims lawyer.
If you’ve become unable to work and are considering lodging a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance claim, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is:
“How long before I get paid?”
There is no single answer. Straightforward claims can be finalised in 4–6 months, while complex or disputed claims may take 12–18 months or longer.
This guide explains the typical TPD claim timeline in Queensland and across Australia, including:
- The key steps in the claim process.
- Factors that may speed up or delay your claim.
- Typical timeframes for each stage.
- Tips to minimise delays and get results faster.
Key steps in a typical TPD claim
| Stage | What happens | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting period | You must be off work before lodging a claim (usually 3–6 months). | 3–6 months |
| Collecting evidence | Medical reports, employer forms, policy details, insurance records. | 1–3 months |
| Lodging application | Submitting claim forms to your super fund or insurer. | Immediate once ready |
| Insurer assessment | Insurer reviews evidence, may request extra reports or Independent Medical Exams (IMEs). | 3–9 months |
| Decision issued | Claim approved, rejected, or delayed pending further info. | Varies |
| Payment | If approved, payout is credited to super account then released as lump sum/income stream. | 2–6 weeks |
| Dispute/appeal | If rejected, internal review, AFCA complaint, or court proceedings may follow. | 6–18+ months |
✅ Average uncontested claim: 6–12 months from lodgement to decision.
❌ Disputed claims: 12–24 months or longer depending on complexity.
Why do TPD claims take so long?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Policy waiting periods | Most policies require 3–6 months off work before you can claim. |
| Medical evidence delays | Doctors and specialists may take time to prepare comprehensive reports. |
| Employment records | Employer statements and payroll info can cause delays if not provided promptly. |
| Insurer investigations | Requests for IMEs, surveillance, or vocational reports can extend the process. |
| Multiple funds | If you have more than one super fund with TPD cover, separate claims must be lodged. |
| Disputes | If the insurer disputes permanency or “any occupation” definitions, appeals can add significant time. |
Case examples
| Example | Facts | Timeline | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back injury, straightforward claim | Michael, 43, tradesman, stopped after spinal injury. GP and specialist reports aligned. | 9 months | Claim approved, $400,000 paid. |
| Mental health claim with delays | Sarah, 36, teacher, depression and PTSD. Insurer requested 2 IMEs and vocational report. | 18 months | Approved after legal challenge. |
| Cancer claim, fast-tracked | John, 55, terminal cancer diagnosis, reports uncontested. | 4 months | Claim fast-tracked and approved. |
| Disputed “any occupation” claim | Ahmed, 48, mechanic. Insurer argued he could do light office duties. | 2 years (AFCA complaint) | Approved after legal + vocational evidence. |
Tips to reduce TPD claim delays
✅ Start early – Gather medical and employment evidence as soon as possible.
✅ Get detailed reports – Insurer requests are minimised when specialists provide strong reports upfront.
✅ Follow up employers – Ensure statements and payroll details are submitted quickly.
✅ Stay consistent – Your statements to doctors, insurers, and your super fund must match.
✅ Seek legal advice – Lawyers can manage delays, chase evidence, and fight insurer stalling tactics.
FAQs
Can I get paid early while waiting for my claim?
Yes. You may apply for financial hardship or compassionate release of super through your fund or the ATO.
Do mental health claims take longer?
Often yes, as insurers usually request psychiatric assessments and may dispute permanency.
What if my employer won’t provide records?
Your lawyer or fund can use tax returns, payslips, statutory declarations, or ATO data as alternatives.
When is money released after approval?
Usually 2–6 weeks, paid to your super account before being withdrawn.
Can I lodge multiple claims?
Yes. If you had multiple funds with TPD cover, you can lodge a claim with each.
Key takeaways
- The average TPD claim in Queensland takes 6–12 months if uncontested.
- Complex/disputed claims may take 18–24 months or more.
- Delays are caused by waiting periods, evidence collection, and insurer investigations.
- Strong, detailed medical and employment evidence upfront is the best way to speed things up.
- Getting legal advice early helps reduce delays and improve approval rates.
A TPD insurance payout can be life-changing if you are unable to work. But the process is rarely quick. Waiting periods, insurer investigations, and the need for medical evidence mean most claims take at least 6–12 months.
At TPD Claims Lawyers, we help Queenslanders and Australians nationwide to streamline claims, chase evidence promptly, and challenge unfair insurer delays.
If your claim has stalled or you are preparing to lodge, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Last updated: 8 September 2025