Financial help can make a huge difference when you’ve been forced to stop working due to a disability like fibromyalgia.
Financial help for fibromyalgia comes in two main forms in Australia. Disability Support Pensions and TPD insurance claims from your super policy can each give you assistance. It’s possible to qualify for both!
The ongoing pain makes it tough to work consistently and finding the right help to reduce symptoms is an ongoing battle.
Fibromyalgia symptoms make it tough to hold down a regular job. When you can’t work, things get tough fast.
What financial help is available for Australians with fibromyalgia?
Most Australians also have Total and Permanent Disability insurance through their current or past super policies. It was legally required for superannuation policies in Australia but insurance companies can make it difficult to claim the benefits you are owed.
What are the two main types of financial help available in Australia for permanent disability?
Is fibromyalgia covered by NDIS & Centrelink?
Yes! It’s possible to get help from NDIS and Centrelink for fibromyalgia. Unfortunately about 70% of all NDIS claims are rejected and it can be tough to figure out what your application was missing. The government guidelines are heavy on legal jargon and it can be tough to figure out what to include to make an application successful without experience.
Most Australians know that it’s possible to get help through a disability support pension via the NDIS and Centrelink. Many also have heard horror stories about people with fibromyalgia or other serious conditions who have their claims rejected. It can be tricky to gather enough evidence to show that you meet the disability requirements.
Is fibromyalgia covered by TPD Insurance Claims?
Yes! Sadly, not enough Australians were told that part of their compensation while working was the TPD insurance in their superannuation policy. It’s not well advertised but it’s a substantial help when a condition like fibromyalgia forces you off work. The types of evidence needed to claim TPD insurance for fibromyalgia are similar to applying for the NDIS but instead of sending it to the government, it is sent to your super insurance company. Super claims are tough to win on your own, most who try on their own to claim are declined.
Super Claims Assist has helped Australians navigate the process to claim insurance from all Australian super providers. The process can be long and confusing so it’s good to have a free chat to discuss what it takes to win your claim.
If you are unsure if you qualify for either or both, it’s worth having a free phone chat with a claim specialist. Book yours today
Can I claim TPD insurance if I’m already getting NDIS or Centrelink help?
Yes! If you’re currently getting help through a disability support pension (DSP) for your fibro, you can also get help through a TPD claim. Because the TPD insurance was part of the super policy you earned while working, it doesn’t affect your DSP eligibility at all. Claiming the lump sum tpd payout can help give you a financial cushion which you navigate your symptoms.
What can I do to improve quality of life?
Finding the right help for Australians with fibromyalgia can make a dramatic improvement to quality of life. Treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms but fibro usually lasts a long period of time. Increasing sleep and exercise helps some.
Your doctor can explain potential benefits of anti-inflammatories, pain medicines, specific fibromyalgia medicines, anti-depressants and other possible medications. A nutritionist or doctor may also be able to recommend a diet for fibromyalgia.
Relaxation methods (such as yoga), heat/cold treatments and massage are options to explore. Generally it’s a combination of things that can give some relief and what works well may change over time.
If you are rejected for a disability support pension, please understand that most people who apply are rejected!
Almost 70% of people applying are rejected for Disability Support Pensions (Australian Government Statistics)
It’s really hard to get approval for a disability support pension without help but help is available!
90% of Australians have TPD insurance in their super policies. Don’t miss out on your insurance money if you can no longer work!
With the right help you can claim your TPD lump sum and help get things going in a better direction.
