Can I claim TPD after sporadic light duties in a family business?
Short answer
Often yes. Helping in a family business on an irregular, flexible basis does not automatically mean you can sustain suitable employment in the open labour market. The key issue is whether you had reliable and ongoing work capacity, not whether you could perform isolated low-demand tasks with special support.
Why this scenario can still support a TPD claim
- Family accommodation can be unique: reduced pace, frequent breaks, and informal role changes may not exist in standard employment.
- Attendance may be unpredictable: sporadic participation can indicate limited dependability rather than durable capacity.
- Productivity may not meet market expectations: light tasks completed with supervision may differ from competitive work requirements.
- Policy wording still controls: evidence must align with own-occupation or any-occupation definitions in your specific cover.
Evidence that usually helps
- A practical timeline showing attempted duties, missed days, symptom flare-ups, and eventual cessation.
- Records of accommodations (task changes, shorter hours, extra breaks, supervision) and why they were necessary.
- Medical opinions explaining why occasional family-supported tasks did not translate into sustainable paid employment.
- Consistent capacity descriptions across TPD, workers compensation, income protection, and Centrelink records where relevant.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Describing occasional family help as proof of stable work capacity.
- Failing to document informal adjustments that made participation possible.
- Using inconsistent wording about work capacity across different claims.
- Submitting without specialist evidence on reliability, sustainability, and likely long-term work tolerance.
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 trying casual or gig work? · Can I claim TPD after intermittent work-from-home duties? · Can I claim TPD after trying part-time administrative duties?