Get help applying for long-term disability or filing an appeal

Long-term disability: Who’s affected?

Do you want to file a claim for long-term disability benefits? Was your previous LTD claim denied?

Long-term disability insurance is complex, and receiving benefits under these policies is often an uphill battle. The initial claims process involves significant research and preparation. Even with all this work, your claim could still be denied, sending you to the even-more-involved appeals process.

An experienced LTD attorney may be able to help you file an application, appeal a denied claim or even take legal action through arbitration or a lawsuit.

What is long-term disability?

Long-term disability is a type of insurance that replaces wages for workers in the event of a disability that impacts their ability to work for an extended period of time. Long-term disability, or LTD, typically kicks in after short-term disability, a similar insurance type that provides wage replacement for a shorter amount of time.

In many cases, LTD plans may be offered by an employer. However, consumers also have the option to purchase their own LTD policies through an insurance provider.

You can seek long-term disability for a long list of eligible disabilities ranging from physical injuries, autoimmune conditions, terminal illnesses and mental health disorders. If you have a disabling, well-documented medical problem that interferes with your ability to work, you may be able to file a claim for disability benefits.

To receive long-term disability benefits, policyholders must go through the following steps:

1. Wait out the elimination period: Most LTD policies have an elimination period, which is a period of time that must pass before you can file a claim. The elimination period starts when an injury occurs or when an illness is diagnosed. These periods will vary by policy and typically range from 30 days to a full year, but may be supplemented by short-term disability.
2. File a claim: After waiting out the elimination period, you can file a claim for long-term disability benefits. An LTD claim can be an arduous process since claimants need to obtain as much documentation as possible from doctors, other professionals, loved ones and other sources. An experienced LTD attorney may be able to help you collect and organize this information to file a claim.
3. Wait for a decision: After submitting your claim, you have to wait for the insurer to make a decision. If your insurer deems you eligible for LTD benefits, you will start receiving these benefits. If the insurer deems you ineligible, you may need to take additional steps.
4. File an appeal: If your long-term disability claim was denied, you may want to file an appeal. An appeal addresses deficiencies or issues brought up by the insurer and, if successful, can result in benefit payments.
5. File a lawsuit: If your appeal is denied, you aren’t necessarily out of luck. You may be able to take legal action through arbitration or a lawsuit. These actions may be able to help you recover retroactive and future benefits.

Why did my long-term disability claim get denied?

An insurer can deny your LTD claim for a number of reasons. Some of the most common denial reasons include:

• Lack of medical evidence: If your claim doesn’t include enough medical evidence, an insurer may deny the application. Claims should include, at the very least, a doctor’s letter and a complete medical record. You could also include further consultation notes and evaluation results.
• Failing to meet the “disability” definition: Each LTD insurance policy defines disability in a specific way. Make sure to read the details of your policy closely to make sure your condition meets your insurer’s definition.
• Video surveillance disproves your disability: Some insurance adjusters may use video or photo surveillance while evaluating your claim to disprove your disability.
• Missed submission deadlines: Even if your claim is without flaws, it may be denied if you failed to meet deadlines for submitting or appealing your application. If you miss the appeal deadline, you may not be able to take further action.

These reasons are typically detailed in a denial letter and can be used to strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving benefits upon reevaluation.

Can an LTD attorney help me with my claim?

A long-term disability lawyer is not required to help an individual receive LTD benefits, but these professionals may be valuable allies during the claims and appeal process to help you build a strong case and secure the benefits you are rightfully owed under your policy coverage.

Join a long-term disability lawsuit investigation

If you want to apply for long-term disability benefits or need to appeal a denied LTD claim, you may qualify to participate in this long-term disability lawsuit investigation.

Please fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a FREE case evaluation.