If you have been injured or suffer from a disability, you may qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits.
What Is Long-Term Disability Insurance?
Some people have Long-Term Disability insurance coverage through their work – under a Group Insurance Policy – while others may have obtained private insurance on their own or through a broker. If you are unable to return to work as a result of an illness or injury, Long-Term Disability insurance offers protection by providing you with a portion of your income to help pay for your bills and living expenses.
What Is The Difference Between Short-Term Disability Insurance And Long-Term Disability Insurance?
Short-Term Disability insurance replaces your wages in the event that you are temporarily unable to work due to injury or illness. Short-Term Disability insurance varies in length from policy to policy but it’s term is usually 3 months long. Long-Term Disability insurance is financial coverage long-term. It provides a more permanent income replacement as long as your medical condition prevents you from working. Long-Term Disability is available for at least 2 years and potentially up to age 65 under most policies.
What Type Of Disability Allows Me To Qualify For Long-Term Disability Benefits?
In most cases it doesn’t matter what type of illness or injury you are suffering from. If your disability prevents you from carrying out your job tasks, you may qualify for Long-Term Disability benefits. Keep in mind you will likely need a supportive medical opinion from at least one of your treating doctors. Your own specific insurance policy will have to be obtained and reviewed to see exactly what you have to do to qualify and if there are any exclusions within the policy that may affect your claim.
What Can I Do To Help My Claim?
You can help your Long-Term Disability claim by:
1) Requesting the Long-Term Disability application package – and the policy itself! – from your employer and/or insurer as soon as possible.
2) Visiting your doctor to create a paper trail outlining the details of your injury or illness. This will likely become evidence to support your claim.
3) Following the recommendations of your doctor(s) and attending all medical appointments.
4) Keeping a copy of all correspondence and communication sent to, and received by, the insurance company and/or your employer with respect to your disability application.
How Long Does A Long-Term Disability Claim Take?
Disability claims resolve quicker than motor vehicle accident claims, about 1-2 years on average. Typically, the claims will either settle on a full & final basis (a lump-sum payment is made by the insurer), or a person’s benefits can be approved and paid by the insurer indefinitely.
What Do You Do If You Have Been Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Call or email us for a free, no-obligation consultation today. We will review your situation right away. We will fight the insurer on your behalf and work to get your claim approved (or settled) as soon as possible.
