Compensation Payouts for PTSD Australia
Written by
Principal Lawyer and Director · Last updated 31 August 2026
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Key takeaway: PTSD compensation payouts in Australia are assessed case by case. In NSW you can claim weekly payments, medical expenses, and a lump sum where your PTSD is assessed above 10% whole person impairment. Permanent impairment payments range from $24,810 at 11% WPI to over $145,000 for the most severe psychological injuries.
PTSD Compensation Payouts: Quick Answers
PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health disorder that we see arise due to workplace conditions and motor vehicle accidents. According to the law in NSW, psychological and psychiatric conditions are considered an injury that makes people subject to various compensation benefits.
Compensation payouts for PTSD are calculated on a case-by-case basis; meaning that there isn’t any fixed amount, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you estimate the PTSD compensation amount that you may be entitled to.
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What can cause PTSD?
Safe Work Australia states that 6% of all workers compensation claims are for mental illnesses. These traumas include but are not limited to:
- Serious traffic accidents
- In-person and virtual workplace bullying
- Severe health problems
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
Generally, the symptoms of PTSD develop within the first month and the injured person may find themselves re-experiencing negative thoughts, becoming isolated and feeling hyperarousal.
Other psychological injuries such as depression can increase the prevalence of PTSD.
PTSD compensation benefits
People may suffer from PTSD due to multiple reasons but the most common personal injury compensation claims are generally considered car accidents and workplace bullying.
You can see below the compensation benefits for two different cases: car accident and work-related claims.
Car accident related PTSD compensation claim
Can you get PTSD from a car accident? Yes. For example, a person who suffers from PTSD due to a car accident may be entitled to:
- Income support payments: Weekly payments can be claimed as a loss of income if you have lost income as a result of the car accident.
- Medical expenses: Reasonable and necessary medical expenses can be covered. Payments will cease after 6 months if the injuries are assessed as minor psychological injuries such as mild depression or minor physical injuries.
- Lump sum payout for future loss of income: Future loss of income and loss of opportunity can be claimed by way of a lump sum if the injured person was not mostly at fault and the injuries are not minor psychiatric injuries or minor physical injuries.
- Lump sum payout for pain and suffering: Lump sum compensation to take into account pain and suffering can be claimed if the injuries are assessed as being greater than 10% whole person impairment.
Work related PTSD compensation claim
Can you get PTSD from work? Yes, every year up to 8000 Australians are compensated due to work-related mental disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder accounts for more than 10% of the total claims. If you suffer from PTSD due to work, you may be entitled to claim:
- Weekly wages: Weekly payment based on your preinjury wages
- Medical expenses: Reasonable and necessary medical expenses due to your injuries
- Lump sum payout for future loss of income: If the injuries are assessed at being greater than 14% whole person impairment for a primary psychological injury. The threshold is greater than 0% for exempt workers. Click here to learn more about exempt workers.
- Common law/work injury damages payout: If the employer was negligent and injuries are assessed at being greater than 14% whole person impairment.
Work related PTSD compensation amount in Australia
Work-related compensation amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis. However, it’s possible to estimate the permanent impairment payment amount in NSW by using the table below. The below is for non-exempt workers as exempt workers can claim a lump sum payment as long as their injuries are greater than 0% whole person impairment.
| Whole person impairment (WPI) | Permanent impairments payment amounts |
|---|---|
| 0% – 10% | $0 |
| 11% – 14% | $24,810 – $34,530 |
| 14% – 20% | $37,770 – $53,970 |
| 21% – 30% | $57,210 – $86,370 |
| 31% – 40% | $91,700 – $139,760 |
| 41% – 50% | $145,100 – $193,160 |
| 51% – 60% | $267,270 – $341,270 |
| 61% – 70% | $415,280 – $489,280 |
| 71% – 100% | $563,270 – $637,290 |
Work related PTSD compensation amount in Australia
TPD claims for PTSD
Regardless of the cause of PTSD and of your occupation, PTSD may prevent you from working. In such a case you may be considered to have a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and depending on your policy you may be entitled to claim a TPD insurance superannuation payout for your PTSD injury.
Note:
TPD payout amounts are dependant on your policy, your age and what your superfund offers its members. TPD cover usually starts from approximately $10,000 and can go up to 1 million generally. For higher than 1 million you may have opted for higher cover prior to being TPD.
Time limits for a PTSD claim
For car accident claims
- 28 days to report the accident to the police
- 28 days to claim back pay for loss of earnings.
- 3 months to make a motor vehicle accident claim
- 3 years to make a common law claim by filing in the Personal Injuries Commission or in Court depending on your claim.
For work accident claims
- As soon as possible to report the accident to the employer
- 6 months to submit a workers compensation claim with your employer
- 3 years to make a work injury damages/common law claim
Which occupations are more at risk?
Exempt workers (police officers, paramedics and firefighters) followed by welfare and community workers, prison officers and then bus drivers and rail drivers are the most at risk occupations relating to mental disorders.
Which occupations are more at risk?
According to Safe Australia’s data between 2008 and 2013, PTSD claims account for 14% of men’s psychological injury claims. For women, this rate is 9%.
How can I find a No Win No Fee PTSD injury lawyer?
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer for your PTSD injury claim can give you peace of mind that your claim is being handled by a caring and senior compensation lawyer. We know that when you have a mental health condition such as PTSD the process can be overwhelming, and everything seems complicated. We take pride in ensuring our clients understand their entitlements, process involved and what to expect.
A No Win No Fee lawyer can help you to get the best PTSD injury payout possible. Contact our No Win No Fee lawyer to get clear and straight forward legal advice!
PTSD Compensation FAQs
How much compensation can you get for PTSD in Australia?
Can you claim PTSD compensation after a car accident?
Can you claim workers compensation for PTSD in NSW?
What can cause a PTSD compensation claim?
How many people claim compensation for PTSD?
What are the time limits for a PTSD claim?
Can you claim TPD for PTSD?
Which occupations are most at risk of PTSD claims?
About the author
Issa Rabaya · Principal Lawyer and Director
✓ Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and High Court of Australia ✓ LLB ✓ IRO-approved ✓ Law Society of NSW
Acts for injured people in CTP, workers compensation, TPD and public liability claims.
Why Choose Withstand Lawyers for Your PTSD Claim?
When you are living with PTSD, the firm you choose matters. Withstand Lawyers brings decades of experience and a proven record of helping people with serious injuries across NSW rebuild their lives, including psychological injuries like PTSD. Withstand Lawyers combines deep legal knowledge with genuine client care, listening first and then fighting for the maximum you are entitled to. From your first free consultation to the final payout, Withstand Lawyers puts your recovery and wellbeing at the centre. More than $60 million recovered, a 99% success rate, and no win, no fee.
Call 1800 952 898 for a free claim check. No win, no fee, no upfront costs.
“Working with Esther has been an absolute blessing during an incredibly difficult time. Anyone who has ever had to navigate an insurance claim knows just how difficult, overwhelming, and anxiety-inducing the entire process can be. Before reaching out to Withstand Lawyers, I was constantly stressed and deeply overwhelmed by the system. The firm made the initial intake process incredibly smooth, and they placed me in the hands of my lawyer, Esther. From that moment on, from the first conversation, I finally found my solid ground. Esther has completely transformed how I navigate this unfortunate situation. Because she handles my matter directly, I have a direct line of contact with her and never have to jump through hoops to get support. Esther’s presence alone has given me immense confidence in my claim. What sets her apart is her perfect balance of professional mastery and genuine empathy. As a client, having a lawyer who truly listens and supports you when your mind is filled with doubt is a massive relief. She doesn’t just manage a file — she consistently protects her client’s peace of mind. Her recommendations are always highly logical, realistic, and clear-cut. She cuts through the legal confusion and tells you exactly where you stand, which is exactly what you need during the hardest times of your life. I feel incredibly lucky to have Esther and her team at Withstand Lawyers by my side. For anyone out there facing a difficult time with an insurer and looking for a legal advocate who offers absolute clarity, strength, and compassion — I cannot recommend Esther highly enough. She is a truly admirable professional who genuinely cares about the people she protects. Truly grateful!” “I have searched top lawyers (personal injury) in Sydney. I found Withstand Lawyers so I rang them up and asked I need lawyers that are nicer and more understanding despite what I am going through. They exceeded my expectations especially Issa, he always remind everyone to be more cautious when speaking to me and I really appreciate that. I am satisfied that my case (MVA) turned out to be successful. Withstand lawyers is more than 5 stars. Can’t recommend highly enough.” “I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the incredible support I’ve received over the past 4.5 years. My case has been long, complicated, and filled with challenges, but Issa and his team stood by me through every step with genuine care, professionalism, and dedication. Their compassion has meant just as much to me as their legal expertise. They didn’t just handle my case, they helped me through some of the most difficult years of my life. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who needs genuine support, honesty, and a team that truly cares about your wellbeing.” “Thank you Withstand Lawyer for your exceptional work, professionalism and easy process for successfully assisting me with my TPD claim. I am thankful for your support. I highly recommend Withstand Lawyers and the services they provide.” “Had a very positive experience with Withstand Lawyers. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed at every stage, and responded promptly to my questions. Their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome gave me confidence from start to finish. I truly appreciate their dedication and excellent service, and I would highly recommend Withstand Lawyers to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy service.” Issa Rabaya Director, Lawyer Founder and Director with 12 years' experience since his 2014 admission, previously at the largest litigation law firm in Australia. A personal injury lawyer for serious injuries, leading Withstand Lawyers' work across every claim type, with settlements reaching into the millions, including a $6.3 million motor vehicle accident result. Esther Ihn Senior Associate Senior Associate with over a decade of experience exclusively in personal injury claims since 2014, handling hundreds of matters across motor vehicle accidents, workers compensation, work injury damages and public liability. The team's go-to for serious-injury claims. Minaa Mohmand Special Counsel Special Counsel with over a decade of experience since 2016, handling complex, higher-value claims: serious injuries, disputed liability and matters heading to litigation, across motor vehicle accidents, work injury damages, public liability and TPD. Mihana Wen Associate Associate with 6 years' experience since 2020 and a recent $1.95 million motor vehicle accident settlement, known for not taking no for an answer and lodging appeal submissions for injuries insurers try to deem below the 11% whole person impairment threshold for pain and suffering. The go-to for car accident claims, guiding clients from the first CTP submission through to settlement with a compassionate, hands-on approach. Isabel Sarcia Senior Lawyer Lawyer with 6 years' experience since 2020, working exclusively in TPD and superannuation claims, necessary because these claims turn on strict super fund definitions and procedure that few generalist lawyers see day to day. Specialises in lodging TPD claims efficiently, cutting through fund delays so claims are accepted faster and in full. Maria Drosos Associate Lawyer with 6 years' experience since 2020, working exclusively in TPD and superannuation claims, necessary because these claims turn on precise policy wording and medical evidence that few generalist lawyers handle daily. Specialises in lodging TPD claims efficiently, managing the insurer requests and medical reports that decide the outcome. Chenoa Ingram Lawyer · 4+ yrs experience Lawyer with 4+ years' hands-on experience in personal injury claims, built inside the firm before her 2026 admission, known for being organised and efficient in progressing clients' workers compensation, work injury damages, public liability and TPD claims. Lauren Bergan Lawyer · 4+ yrs experience4.9 ★ — 265+ Reviews
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