Chronic liver disease — including cirrhosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), autoimmune hepatitis and liver failure — can cause profound fatigue, hepatic encephalopathy, fluid accumulation and a high risk of serious complications. At advanced stages, these effects commonly prevent any return to employment.
Does liver disease qualify for TPD?
Advanced liver disease, particularly cirrhosis with complications (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, portal hypertension), typically causes the kind of severe, permanent functional impairment that meets TPD definitions. Hepatic encephalopathy alone — causing cognitive impairment, confusion and mood changes — can independently prevent employment.
Evidence to gather
- Hepatologist or gastroenterologist reports
- Child-Pugh or MELD score documentation showing disease severity
- Records of hospitalisations and complications
- GP statements on your functional capacity and ability to work
Liver transplant recipients
If you have received a liver transplant, you may have been able to claim TPD during the period you were listed or recovering. If you haven't claimed and were unable to work during that time, it may still be worth checking. Start with our free eligibility check.