Can I claim TPD after trying casual or gig work?
Short answer
Often yes. A short or inconsistent attempt at casual or gig work does not automatically prevent a TPD claim. The key issue is whether you could perform suitable work reliably and sustainably, not whether you completed isolated tasks on better days.
Why this scenario can still fit TPD criteria
- Ad-hoc work is not stable employment: irregular shifts or one-off gigs may show effort, not durable capacity.
- Income and attendance can be inconsistent: large variation in output may support an argument that capacity is not dependable.
- Task selection can mask limits: self-selected low-demand tasks may differ from competitive labour-market expectations.
- Policy wording remains central: evidence must still match own-occupation or any-occupation definitions in your cover.
Evidence that usually carries weight
- A practical timeline of attempts: shifts accepted, shifts cancelled, symptom flares, recovery time, and eventual cessation.
- Platform or payroll records showing irregular earnings, reduced hours, and inability to maintain routine availability.
- Medical evidence explaining why sporadic activity did not translate into sustainable work capacity.
- Consistent descriptions across TPD, workers compensation, and income protection documents where applicable.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Presenting occasional completed tasks as proof of ongoing weekly capacity.
- Omitting failed shifts, aborted jobs, or post-shift symptom deterioration.
- Using inconsistent work-capacity language across different claim pathways.
- Submitting without specialist opinion on reliability and long-term sustainability.
Important: This page is general information only, not legal advice. Eligibility and outcomes depend on policy wording, evidence quality, and your personal circumstances.
Related guides
Can I claim TPD after intermittent work-from-home duties? · Can I claim TPD after trying part-time administrative duties? · Can I claim TPD after a failed return-to-work attempt?