Over the past decade, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims in Australia have undergone a profound shift. Where once the majority of claims were linked to physical injuries and chronic illnesses, today mental health conditions are among the leading drivers of TPD payouts. This change reflects both the increasing prevalence of severe psychological conditions and a welcome reduction in the stigma around seeking support.
This is an important and telling step for our society. It means people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma and other mental illnesses are no longer invisible or ignored. The TPD framework is doing its job: providing financial relief when individuals can no longer maintain employment due to health challenges.