How Do I Know If I Have Been Disabled?

If you are unable to work as a result of your disability, you are likely entitled to long term disability benefits. The precise definition of “disabled” will be laid out in your policy and it is important to read these terms closely.

How Can I Submit A DisabilityClaim With Manulife?

It is important to understand what type of plan or policy you have with Manulife before beginning the disability benefits claim process. Read the terms of the plan or policy carefully to determine if you have a group or individual plan or if Manulife is serving as the administrator for a non-profit insurance plan you might belong to. The term “Plan Sponsor” refers to the organization that purchased your insurance plan, typically your employer.

Manulife provides several ways you can apply for disability benefits. Disability claims can be submitted online using Manulife’s website, and documents can be uploaded as image files. Manulife also offers a mobile application called Manulife Mobile which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. You can also submit your disability benefits claim through the mail, though you may need to contact Manulife or your plan administrator for assistance with this.  

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Regardless of how you submit your disability claim to Manulife, there are three critical things that you will need to submit. Double check that all forms are filled out correctly before submitting. Manulife does not permit you to delete any submitted claims or attachments and they will happily deny your claim if you have not submitted precise information.

Member Statement

You are required to fill out this portion of the application and you will be asked for the following information:

·      Contact information

·      Date and details of accident, if applicable

·      Work information including the date you stopped working

·      Whether you have had similar illnesses or injuries

·      Why your condition is preventing you from working

·      Name and contact for any healthcare providers you have visited

·      Income information

·      Other sources of disability benefits (CPP-D or WCB, for example)

You will also be asked to authorize Manulife to access your medical records for the purpose of evaluating your claim and provide banking information including a void cheque.

Employer or Manager Statement

This form is to be filled out by your manager or employer and will detail the following information:

• Information about your position and job demands

• Mobility and strength requirements for your position

• Description of your work environment

• Types of equipment used at work and how frequently they are used

• Any additional information your employer thinks is necessary

Even though your employer fills out this form, you will still need to read it over and certify that the description is a true and accurate account of your regular work duties. Be sure to read this section over closely and raise any concerns you have with your employer.

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Attending Physician Statements

This form is to be filled out by your treating physician. Your signature will be required on this form to authorize the release of this medical information. The physician will be asked to provide information about the following:

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• A history of current symptoms including severity and frequency

• Any factors affecting recovery

• Treatment plans and whether you are following them

• Prognosis for recovery

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Building a winning disability claim with Manulife requires a supportive physician statement. Your physician should be able to speak to how your disability is affecting your work. If your physician is unwilling or unable to fill out the attending physician statement, you may need to find a physician who will be supportive of your disability claim [hyperlink to “What happens if my doctor does not support my long-term disability claim?”]. Depending on the nature of your disability, it may be worthwhile to seek out treatment from a specialist to strengthen your disability benefits claim.

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What Obligations Do I Have Once I Have Submitted A Disability Claim to Manulife?

Manulife has been in the insurance business for a long time and is quite proficient at denying disability benefits claims. They are always looking for ways to deny or terminate long term disability benefits and one common reason Manulife will deny your claim is if you fail to update them about changes in your medical conditions. For example, the terms of your plan or policy may require you to notify Manulife of any improvement in your medical condition, any return to work, and any entry into a training or rehabilitation program. You are also required to notify Manulife of any changes to your banking information.

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Manulife will assign you a disability case manager who may reach out to you or your physician for more details regarding your claim. Though these calls may be stressful, it is important to be honest with your disability case manager so they do not have a reason to deny your disability benefits claim.

Read the terms of your policy carefully or have an experienced disability lawyer at Freedom Disability Lawyers help you review your claim.

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When And How Do I Get Paid If My Manulife Disability Claim Is Successful?

Long term disability claims are subject to an “elimination period,” which is the time between when you became disabled and when your long term disability benefit payments start. This allows Manulife time to evaluate your claim.

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If your claim is approved, you will be paid via direct deposit on a monthly basis. The disability benefits you receive will be a percentage of your monthly income. It is important that you provide Manulife with updated banking information.

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What Do I Do If My Manulife Disability Claim Is Denied?

Having your disability claim denied is difficult, but it is not the end of the road. Manulife will present you with the reasons why they denied your claim and you have the chance to appeal it [hyperlink to “What is a long term disability internal appeal?”].

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If your long term disability claim has been denied by Manulife, it may be worth contacting the experienced disability lawyers at Freedom Disability Lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

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Get Support With Your Manulife Disability Claim

While Manulife may have been in the insurance game for a long time, and may give you convenient options for submitting your long term disability benefits claims, they are still very experienced in denying incomplete or flawed claims. Understanding what Manulife is looking for in a disability benefits claim is critical to building a winning claim.

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Freedom Disability Lawyers only practice in the area of disability. We are dedicated to our clients. You can learn more about how we handle disability claims here [hyperlink to FDL article about disability claims].

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If you are in need of legal advice or representation for your disability benefits claim, we serve clients in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Contact us today [contact hyperlink] and tell us more about your claim – we are here to help!

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