Important Questions About Your Long Term Disability Claim:
Here are some key questions that should be on your mind:
- What is a disability benefit?
- How do I apply for disability benefits?
- How to draft a winning claim.
- What to do if my benefits are denied or terminated?
- And many more!
What are Disability Benefits?
Starting with the most basic concept; disability benefits are payments of money made to a person who is disabled and cannot work. They are intended to act as a safety net for a person who is unable to work, and the benefits will typically end when the person can return to work or take on another job.
There are many different types of LTD plans including group disability insurance policies, non-profit disability benefits plans, and individual disability insurance policies. Order a free copy of the LTD Book to learn more.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits?
There are three fundamental questions that an insurance adjuster will ask when they are reviewing your claim. Your application must force the adjuster to answer in the affirmative for all three questions.
- Does the applicant have an illness or injury?
- Is the applicant’s functional capacity reduced?
- Is the applicant applying for disability benefits?
If the insurance company's reviewer can answer "no" to any one of the three questions your claim will likely be denied.
A “bare bones” LTD claim will consist of a notice of claim form, an attending physician statement, and an employer’s form. All these files are necessary, but they are in no way a means of guaranteeing an approved LTD claim. The following section will elaborate on how to “boost up” your claim to help maximize your potential of getting an approved LTD claim.
How to Draft a Winning Claim?
“The Must-Read Guide to Winning Disability InsuranceBenefits” outlines 10 winning tips that will help push your claim over the top and get that much sought-after approved stamp. Outlined below are some of the most powerful tips:
Winning Tip 1: Boost your notice of claim form.
While it is important to make sure the document is filled out correctly (dates, signed, etc.) it is critical to go further with this form and use it to drive home the details that will help ensure an approved LTD claim.These details include how you could work before the onset of your disability, what caused your disability, and why your disability interferes with your ability to work.
Need more space? Attach a spare piece of paper to the form. If you have more information to provide about your restrictions and limitations, you should not be constrained by the insurance company's form.
Winning Tip 2: Work with your doctor on the attending physician statement.
As one of the three main documents needed for a complete application, this document must stand as a strong and detailed supporting statement in your mission for LTD approval. To do this it is up to you to inform your doctor about your disability and about the duties you perform at work. Also, be sure to try booking an extended appointment and be courteous with the doctor to help form a trusting relationship. Your doctor will likely appreciate your efforts to assist him or her to complete the form during your visit as the doctor can ask you questions about your restrictions and limitations at the time of the visit.
Remember that the insurance company will assess whether your restrictions and limitations rise to the level of a total disability based on your occupation or any occupation test. You must explain to your doctor what the relevant test is to have him or her complete their portion of the application properly.
Applying the above “Winning Tips” and the others found in “The Must-Read Guide to Winning Disability Insurance Benefits” will result in a much stronger claim, maximizing your chances for success. Order a free copy of the LTD Book to learn more.
What should I do if my Benefits are Denied or Terminated?
It is a bad day for any disabled worker when they receive a denial letter or termination letter but there is still hope. The first thing you should do when receiving one of these letters is to photocopy it and store it in a safe place, as it will be a valuable asset in any appeal.
Is your long-term disability claim based on mental health concerns? If so, learn more about mental health long-term disability claims in this post.
A denial letter indicates that your LTD claim was unsuccessful.The denial will typically mention that you may suffer some restrictions, but that your disability does not rise to the level of a "total disability".
In other cases, the insurer will send a notice letter to their insured notifying them that their benefits will be cut off at a future date.This letter typically explains that medical evidence suggests that they are no longer disabled or that surveillance evidence has shown that they are not disabled.
Either way, these letters are a threat to you losing your LTD benefits and must be taken seriously. Once you have sorted out why you were denied, you can then determine what you can do to attempt to overturn the unfavourable decision. There are ways to appeal both a denial and a termination letter.Although this can be a complex matter and it is recommended that you seek out a disability lawyer “The Must-Read Guide to Winning Disability InsuranceBenefits” lays out a step-by-step guide (along with tips) to successfully appeal a denial or termination and get you your LTD benefits back.
Questions About a Long-Term Disability Claim?
Jeff Mitchell is an experienced Long-Term Disability Benefits Lawyer who has successfully obtained disability benefits for his clients in Toronto, Ontario, and the rest of Canada. Jeff has successfully obtained long-term disability benefits for his clients who have been denied benefits or had their benefits terminated.
To book your free consultation, call Freedom Disability Lawyers at 1-833-633-3585 or jeff@fdlawyers.ca, and tell us more about your claim, we are here to help.
