Long-term disability insurance (LTD), is monetary coverage that someone with a disability can be given to help them get by while they’re unable to work. Long-term disability requires certain qualifications and may sometimes be a lengthy process.
Long Term Disability Qualifications
Long-term disability insurance generally kicks in when short-term disability insurance (STD) ends anywhere from three to twelve months after the onset of the disability. While STD generally provides the disabled individual 70-100% of their normal income, LTD provides 60-70% with most insurance plans.
To be eligible for long-term disability, you must be considered to be totally disabled from completing the majority of your job tasks. Each policy has specific wording as to what the “disability test” is that must be met to qualify for LTD benefits.
Typically, after 2 years, you can only continue to qualify for LTD if you are considered unable to work at any job.
Here’s an example: Let’s say you suffered an amputation or a spinal cord injury which left you unable to perform your job as a laborer. Your company would pay your LTD for 2 years, but after that, you’d be expected to get another job, unless your disability prevented you from working at any job that you have qualifications for. This is often the case with disabilities like a serious brain injury or complete paralysis but can also occur when someone suffers from chronic pain or mental/psychological illness.
Why You Should Get a Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Insurance policies can be confusing, especially for those not trained in understanding the legal jargon. A long-term disability lawyer can analyze your policy and break down the qualifications for disability, the requirements you must meet, and the benefits you will receive from your disability.
Having a long-term disability lawyer greatly increases your chances of being approved or reinstated for LTD insurance as they are thorough and experienced with these types of cases. On average, being approved for the benefit takes around 45 days. However, there are instances where it can take up to 3 or 4 months.
Disability insurance lawyers can help you gather evidence to prove your disability while working with your insurance company to get the income supplement you deserve. Having a lawyer allows you to navigate the complexities of disability insurance law and avoid making the most common mistakes.
Common Mistakes
Here are some of the most common mistakes that people make when handling a long-term disability claim on their own, without the assistance of a lawyer.
- Not understanding the policy: Some people may believe that their policy entitles them to things that it doesn’t, leading to them filing a false claim for compensation that they’re not owed.
- Not enough evidence: Without fully comprehending what is meant by the term disability, people are less likely to provide all of the necessary evidence for their claim, meaning the claim is refused and the individual must re-do the process again.
- Missed deadlines: Directly following an injury of this magnitude, it’s easy to be caught up in adjusting to life and missing necessary deadlines when submitting a claim.
Virk Lawyers’ Experience with Long-Term Disability Claims
If you’re suffering from a long-term disability and your LTD claim has been denied, contact Virk Lawyers. We are trained personal injury lawyers in Hamilton with expertise in navigating complex insurance policies.
We aim to help our clients to receive the monetary compensation and ongoing income supplement that they deserve. Contact us now or book a free consultation to find out how we can help.