Can I Look for Another Job While on Long-Term Disability?

To see if you’re entitled to look for another job while receiving long-term disability benefits, you may be required to review the terms of your insurance policy. In certain cases, you may be eligible to pursue other employment opportunities and still receive disability benefits, but doing so may require you to fulfill certain stipulations.

In many cases, returning to the workforce may reduce the amount of your long-term disability benefits payments. Insurance companies may also decide to cease your payments entirely. If you believe your long-term disability benefits were unfairly halted because you were exploring new employment opportunities, a long-term disability claims lawyer may be able to help you appeal your insurance company’s decision.

You May Be Able to Look for Another Job Under Certain Circumstances

If you’re receiving long-term disability benefits and would like to try returning to the workforce, before making any decisions, it may be prudent to discuss the idea with your doctor. If you try returning to work without your doctor’s approval, you may jeopardize your eligibility for long-term disability benefits.

During a recipient’s first two years of long-term disability coverage, the insurance policy will likely provide compensation if their medical conditions prevent them from performing the duties of their own job. These policies are not contingent on a recipient’s ability to perform beyond their own occupation.

In these cases, if a doctor grants their approval, individuals may be able to perform the duties of another job while receiving their long-term disability benefits. These individuals may be required to notify their insurance providers before accepting another job.

Many long-term disability policies may require recipients to look for new jobs after receiving benefits for a lengthy period of time if their medical conditions allow them to earn a living in a different occupation or field.

If your insurance provider unfairly determines that you are no longer eligible to receive long-term disability benefits, but you believe your injuries or disabilities still prohibit you from returning to the workforce, a long-term disability claims lawyer may be able to provide useful assistance or advice.

Return to Work Programs

The conditions and requirements for long-term disability benefits recipients who wish to return to work vary between insurance providers. The specific details of an individual’s policy will determine the appropriate course of action when a recipient is ready to look for another job. In general, though, most insurance carriers offer some form of graduated return to work program. Participating in this type of plan with the approval of your doctor and insurance provider may help protect your benefits.

Depending on the stipulations of the program offered by your insurance carrier, you may be able to return to work while still receiving some or all of your benefits. Once you’ve worked a certain number of hours or received a certain amount of remuneration, the insurance carrier may reduce your long-term disability benefit payments. This gradual reduction of benefits is a common feature of most long-term disability plans, including Canada Pension Plan’s disability benefits.

You May Be Able to Challenge a Benefits Denial Caused by Returning to Work

If your search for new employment has triggered the cancellation of your long-term disability benefits, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to review your policy and, if you’re eligible to continue receiving benefits payments, appeal your insurance company’s decision. To learn more, reach out to Preszler Injury Lawyers today by calling 1-800-JUSTICE.