What Disability Benefits Can I Claim for MS?
Australians living with multiple sclerosis can be eligible to claim government funding and insurance benefits under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Disability Support Pension, and a Total and Permanent Disability insurance payout.
You will likely struggle to work if you are living with MS symptoms, so it makes sense to seek every opportunity for financial support. Fortunately, a severe disability like MS can qualify for government support and other benefits for this permanent medical condition.
When an illness prevents you from working, you could also:
- Receive monthly payments from income protection insurance
- Make a TPD claim and get a lump sum payout
Free Advice for Disability Insurance Claims
Many Aussies don’t know they may have Total and Permanent Disability insurance through their super fund or employer, which can provide a lump sum payment for eligible claimants.
- Our disability insurance lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation that can explain your options and how much you could get for an approved TPD claim for multiple sclerosis.
- They can also explain the application process and the medical evidence you’ll need to address the specific criteria of your TPD insurance policy.
All our legal services are covered by our 100% no-win, no-fee policy with no upfront costs. We also offer fixed or capped fees for all types of insurance claims. Pay for a win and nothing if you lose. Call 1300 873 252
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What is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system (CNS) disease that affects eyesight, the brain, and the spinal cord. This severe illness damages these body parts because the immune system attacks the protective layer surrounding the nerves, causing scarring.
Although numerous genetic and environmental factors have been linked to the onset of multiple sclerosis, no single cause has been identified.
Who has Multiple Sclerosis?
According to MS Australia, for 2025, approximately 37,756 Australians are estimated to be living with multiple sclerosis, impacting each person differently.
MS is a chronic disease that primarily affects women and is the leading cause of disability among young adults.
- With no current cure for this potentially debilitating medical condition, the only option is to slow down the progression of the disease.
- Recent therapeutic breakthroughs have delivered more effective treatment options.
- Still, many people with multiple sclerosis struggle to maintain a job because of the unpredictable and persistent symptoms.
Can I work with Multiple Sclerosis?
According to MS Australia, 52% of people living with MS report missed work opportunities as a result of their condition.
Despite this statistic, most people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are still working when diagnosed. That’s probably because keeping your job may improve your quality of life, feelings of inclusion and self-worth.
In most cases, employers must make reasonable adjustments to help you manage your condition at work.
However, in some cases, the unpredictable symptoms of MS and the impact of these on your capacity to perform your duties may mean you cannot work in your usual occupation.
What if your ability to earn an income is compromised? Fortunately, you may be able to claim significant insurance benefits that will help pay for your bills and medical treatment costs, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
What are the common MS Symptoms?
The symptoms of MS are many and varied, as different sections of the CNS can be impacted with varying intensity. Symptoms can change daily and may or may not be visible to others. Some common indicators are:
- Motor control issues: walking, balance and coordination are compromised
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Eyesight issues: double vision and blurred vision, depth perception, complete or partial blindness
- Sensory problems: numbness, pins and needles, nerve pain, cold or heat sensitivity
- Bowel and bladder problems: constipation, diarrhoea, and incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Trouble thinking, blurred memory and trouble concentrating
- Mood changes, disturbed sleep combined with depression and anxiety
How long does it take for MS to disable you?
MS is one of the common disabling diseases for young adults. Everyone living with Multiple Sclerosis has a unique disease experience with varying rates of progression and disability. People will relapsing-remitting MS are unlikely to reach a stage of permanent disability. For those who go on to secondary progressive MS, the transition can be between 10 and 20 years.
On average, it takes 28 years for MS patients to reach EDSS 6 from the first diagnosis.
If you have primary progressive MS, you are highly likely to be defined as living with a disability in a shorter timeframe. You may have brief periods of improvement, but your progression will be faster than other types of Multiple Sclerosis.
Thankfully, treatment breakthroughs mean the period of decline has slowed. Your transition to a disability should also be longer if you are diagnosed at a younger age.
When being assessed as Totally and Permanent Disabled (TPD) for a TPD claim or income protection claim, you do not need to meet the definition of permanently incapacitated as you might with the NDIS. For most people, you merely need to prove that your medical condition prevents you from doing your usual job.
Our experienced TPD insurance lawyers will show you how that works. It’s free to understand your circumstances.
What are the different types of Multiple Sclerosis?
People with MS will experience different progressions, but three main types assist in determining the best treatment options.
Type of MS | Characteristics |
|---|---|
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) | RRMS is the chief type of MS known for clearly defined periods of activity alternating with a phase of partial or total remission. The majority of people diagnosed with this disease begin with RRMS. |
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) | You have SPMS when RRMS progresses to a period of decline, and the disease worsens. Transitioning from RRMS to SPMS is difficult for the neurologist and the patient as the progression is unpredictable and can take many years. |
Primary progressive MS (PPMS) | PPMS is characterised by gradually worsening the condition from the initial diagnosis without remission periods. About 15% of sufferers have PPMS and are most likely to be considered disabled. |
Can I Claim TPD and Income Protection?
If you have an MS diagnosis and have worked previously, you could claim your Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance benefit or income protection insurance. Most Australians have at least one current superannuation account with several insurance policies, ready to help when the unexpected happens.
Aussie Injury Lawyers have a 99% success rate with disability insurance claims. We have helped many thousands of Aussies access their due entitlements and fund all our legal services on a 100% No Win, No Fee basis. Knowing your opportunity to claim costs nothing, and you pay nothing until we win your case.
It’s free to find out whether you can claim TPD benefits and the value of your potential lump sum payout. Call 1300 873 252
Is Multiple Sclerosis Considered a Permanent Disability in Australia?
Yes, in Australia, multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered a chronic and mostly permanent neurological condition that can lead to disability.
That’s because there is currently no cure for MS, so it is considered a permanent, lifelong condition. However,
- Not everyone living with this chronic illness is defined as disabled
- Some have symptoms so mild they don’t require treatment
It also depends on who is assessing your disability. The NDIS will likely have a tighter framework for classifying a disability than a large insurance company, considering your insurance payout.
For TPD and income protection claim assessments, you do not need to meet the definition of permanently incapacitated as you might with the NDIS. For most people, you merely need to prove that your medical condition prevents you from doing your usual job.
- Our experienced insurance lawyers will show you how that works. It’s free to understand your circumstances
- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society also provides information on applying for disability benefits
Claiming TPD benefits for Multiple Sclerosis
Living with MS will likely impact all aspects of your life, including your work life and psychiatric condition. When MS symptoms prevent you from performing your usual job role, you could claim your Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) entitlements.
In most cases, you only need to prove you cannot perform your usual job or one for which you are trained.
Your TPD payout could be substantial and worth pursuing, with some receiving a lump sum payment of $500k. To be eligible for disability insurance benefits, a medical professional must assess whether you can perform your usual job duties. In most cases, you do not need to prove that you cannot perform any job, just the one you usually do or one for which you are trained.
Our compensation lawyers offer a free case review that can explain your legal options.
What Evidence Do I Need to Get a Lump Sum Payment?
A successful disability insurance claim relies of compelling evidence that shows how your MS symptoms affect your ability to work and perform daily living activities, including:
- Comprehensive medical records
- Specialist reports
- Functional capacity assessments
We also recommend a symptom diary and detailed work history because these can strengthen your claim by providing objective evidence of how your condition affects you over time.
MS Income Protection Claims (TTD Claims)
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, progressive medical condition that impacts people in many ways, including how they work. Depending on your symptoms and type of MS, you could have periods when you successfully maintain your occupation and periods when you are temporarily unable to work.
If you cannot work for a period, you could make an income protection or TTD insurance claim. You may be unaware you have income protection coverage through your superannuation or attached to another organisation, e.g. union membership.
A medical specialist would verify your work incapacity to access your income protection payments for some time. If your condition worsens, you could later progress to a permanent disability insurance claim.
Government Support for People with MS
Other than private insurance claims, Australians living with multiple sclerosis may be eligible for financial support from the government, including the following:
Disability Support Pension (DSP) offers financial support for people living with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that stops them from earning an income.
To qualify for DSP, you must meet specific medical criteria that show your MS significantly disrupts your ability to work and perform daily activities.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers funding for reasonable and necessary support related to your disability, including therapies, equipment, and personal care.
Access to NDIS support can help improve your quality of life and maintain independence despite the challenges posed by MS.
Get Expert Legal Help for MS Insurance Claims
Your insurance policies help you when something goes wrong in your life. But big insurers will want to defend their bottom line. Accessing all your due benefits typically requires a knowledgeable insurance claim solicitor. The team at Aussie Injury Lawyers have combined insurance litigation experience of more than 100 years. Our 99% claim success performance demonstrates our expertise.
When you need assistance with your financial survival, rely on our lawyers and solicitors to do the heavy lifting. Our 100% No Win, No Fee policy means you carry no financial risk. It’s free to know:
- Your eligibility to claim
- How many claims you could make (some people have multiple)
- Your chance of success
- The value of your claims
- How long it will take to get your lump sum payment
Our legal team will explain the claims process step by step and when you might access your insurance entitlements. Call 1300 873 252 or email us
MS Insurance Claim Lawyers Near Me
When you need expert legal help with a multiple sclerosis income protection or superannuation insurance claim, it’s good to know that Aussie Injury Lawyers are located in all mainland capital cities. Choose your location:
