Applying for LTD Benefits

If you have become disabled because of an accident or medical condition, you apply for disability benefits by doing the following things:

  • notify the insurance company within a certain period of time;
  • submit claims forms within a certain period of time;
  • provide supporting evidence/documents to prove your claim; and
  • in some cases, undergo a medical examination by a doctor hired by the insurance company.

If you thinking about applying for LTD benefits, or are in the process of doing so, I urge you to consider the following things before sending your application to the insurance company:

1 - Get a copy of your LTD Policy - It is absolutely essential that you get a copy of your disability insurance policy, and understand it, before you send your initial claim to the insurance company. The insurance policy sets out the benefits to which you may be entitled, the criteria you must meet to qualify for benefits, the process for making a claim, the process for appealing a claim, and the deadlines you must meet for submitting information.

2 - Know the Definition of Disability you must meet - You do not qualify for benefits just because you have suffered a disability; rather, your disability must be severe enough to meet the definition of disability in your insurance policy. It is essential that you know how your policy defines disability.

3 - Speak with your Doctor/Health Professionals - It is essential that your doctor(s) support the view that your illness/condition/disability is serious enough to prevent you from working. In order to qualify for disability income payments you must provide the insurance company with medical evidence (medical reports, letters from your doctors, letters from your health professionals) that supports the view that you are unable to work. It is important that you speak with your doctor and health professionals about how your condition restricts or limits your ability to do your job.

4 - Consult a Lawyer - If you are applying for disability income benefits, there is a lot at stake. You may have no income coming in and your financial security is at risk. A lawyer, experienced in disability insurance claims, can assist you with filling out your application, can explain your rights under the insurance policy, help you gather evidence to support your claim, and can explain the claims process.