Your LTD Claim Obligations
If you have an injury or illness and can’t perform your job for an extended period, Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance provides you with a portion of your income to help cover living expenses. These benefits are typically paid monthly under an insurance policy, usually at least 60 percent of your base salary, up to a maximum amount.
Most insurance policies cover illnesses and injuries that prevent you from doing your job, including cancer, diabetes, respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, neurological disorders such as stroke, MS, ALS and epilepsy, chronic pain, mental health disorders, personal injuries and more.
A portion of your income
LTD insurance will provide you with a portion of your income for the first two years if you cannot perform your own occupation but after that, you must prove that you’re unable to perform tasks for any job you’re reasonably qualified for.
There are several steps to take when you submit an LTD claim:
- You must prove that you’re injured or ill and therefore totally disabled for three months or more.
- Determine your insurer’s waiting period, which is the length of time you must be off work for your disability to be considered long-term—this is typically 17 to 22 weeks but can vary by insurer.
- Make sure you have your doctor’s support when applying for benefits.
- Contact your personal insurance provider that you intend to apply for benefits.
- Get a copy of the claims form and complete the LTD application.
- Include information about your illness or injury, including how, when and where it happened and your symptoms.
- Once you fill out the Notice of Claim form, sign it and send it and any supporting documents on time to your insurance company. Your employer will fill out an Employer’s Report and your doctor will fill out your Medical Report.
- Cooperate with the claim representative and answer any reasonable requests your insurer has, including providing the insurance company with requests for medical records.
- Read the insurer’s approval letter carefully—occasionally an application will be only temporarily or conditionally approved, which can lead to an appeal.
If you have applied for Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance but were denied by your insurer, an LTD lawyer can start a lawsuit that can help you receive benefits.
We know how complicated it can be to get LTD benefits and we’re here to help. Contact us today to arrange for a free consultation.