Long-term disability(LTD) insurance is meant to replace your income (up to a certain percentage) if you become disabled and are unable to work. LTD coverage is often provided in conjunction with short-term disability protection, which will pay for time off work for the first three or six months that you are disabled. You may be enrolled in an LTD plan through your employee benefits package or you may have private coverage in place if you have bought life insurance or an sickness and accident policy. .
Each Long Term Policy is Unique
Coverage terms vary, depending on the policy. Generally speaking, LTD policies cover injuries and illnesses which prevent you from being able to work. Some policies exclude work-related injuries, and you would be expected to look to workers’compensation coverage to get benefits in that instance.
To find out exactly what you are covered for under your policy, you will need to read it. If you don’t have a copy of your policy but you are covered under a plan through your work through a group benefits plan, the benefits booklet you received when you enrolled in the plan will give you some information.
Definition of “Totally Disabled”under LTD
LTD policies talk about someone being “totally disabled”before being able to receive benefits. This doesn’t mean that you have to be paralyzed or in a wheelchair before your insurer will consider your claim. It means that if you are injured to the extent that common sense would dictate that you should not perform the activities of your job so that you can take time to recover, you should have time to get well. It also means that if performing these activities would be life-threatening, then you are not expected to continue working.
Go ahead and apply for benefits if you and your doctor feel that you are not able to continue working in your current position. Fill out the forms carefully and completely so that your claim can be processed promptly. If the insurer denies your claim, you have the right to be informed in writing of the reason for the denial.
Get Expert Advice About your LTD Claim
If your LTD claim has been denied or you have been receiving benefits and your insurer is changing the definition of disability and telling you that you no longer qualify for benefits, you need to get expert advice from a personal injury lawyer who can look at the facts of your case and help you decide what your next step should be. Contact Conte & Associates to arrange your personal consultation.
