How Do I Get Approved for Long-Term Disability?

Getting approved for long-term disability benefits may not be as easy as it should be for workers whose medical conditions prevent them from performing the duties of their jobs. Insurance policyholders with illnesses or injuries entitling them to benefits can endure long, complicated processes before receiving long-term disability payments.

Claimants may be required to supply evidence proving that they meet the qualifications outlined in their policies. They may need to file an application with supporting medical documentation that thoroughly supports their claim. Even if their application is successful, they may be required to wait for an elimination period to expire before receiving their first benefits payment.

If you filed a claim with your insurance provider and were unfairly denied, a long-term disability claims lawyer may be able to help you challenge the decision.

Filing a Long-Term Disability Claim

If you are an insurance policyholder and have been diagnosed with an illness or injury that prevents you from doing most, or all, of the tasks required of your position at work, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits. In order to submit a successful application for benefits, you may be required to include supporting evidence in accordance with your insurance carrier’s instructions.

Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. recommends that eligible workers review the terms of their long-term disability policies or contact the insurance company to speak with a representative and see if they’re eligible to receive benefits.

Your application’s approval may depend on a number of factors, including:

How, when, and where your illness or injury occurred or began
How your symptoms affect your ability to work
When you were last able to work
When your medical treatment began, and if it is ongoing
Your occupational duties
Your prognosis
And possibly more

Waiting to Learn if You’ve Been Approved for Long-Term Disability Benefits

After submitting a claim for long-term disability benefits, you may be required to wait between 90-120 days, or possibly longer, before receiving your insurance provider’s determination. The stress of not knowing what may happen after any short-term benefits you’re able to collect is no longer available can cause injured claimants further anxiety during this waiting process.

Eligible claimants may also be entitled to compensation through Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits. The severity of your injuries or illness, the length of time you may have paid into the CPP, and other factors may determine your eligibility. Although receiving disability benefits from the CPP may reduce the payment amount awarded to you if your long-term disability claim is successful, these benefits may offer additional financial support if your initial claim is denied.

Appealing a Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits Claim

If your insurance provider does not approve your claim, a long-term disability claims lawyer may be able to help you take action. By filing an internal appeal, a lawyer may be able to help overturn an insurance company’s decision to deny your claim. A lawyer may also be able to help you pursue legal action against the company to fight for the benefits you’ve been unfairly denied.

According to the Limitations Act of 2002, S.O. 2002, Chapter 24, the deadline for taking legal action against an insurance provider that wrongfully denied your claim is generally two years from the date of the denial. Filing an internal appeal does not affect this time limit.

Discuss Your Claim Denial with Preszler Injury Lawyers

If your medical condition does not allow you to perform the duties of your job, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits. If your claim for these benefits has been denied, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to provide you with useful assistance and advice.

Call Preszler Injury Lawyers at 1-800-JUSTICE to learn more about how we may be able to help you overturn your unfairly denied benefits claim.