When Should I Consider Long-Term Disability?

If your employer does not provide their staff with a group insurance policy covering long-term disability benefits, you may want to consider investing in an individual insurance plan that does. In the event you sustain an injury in an unexpected accident or develop another physical or mental condition that makes it impossible to perform the duties of your job, claiming long-term disability benefits can provide necessary financial support for you, and your family.

Long-term disability benefits are designed to provide eligible policyholders with a percentage of their regular income if their medical conditions prevent them from working, and they have already exhausted all of their available sick leave, vacation time, or short-term disability benefits.

Qualifying for Long-Term Disability Benefits

Eligible policyholders may be able to file a claim for long-term disability benefits after receiving a medical diagnosis for a condition that prevents them from performing the duties of their jobs. In Canada, most long-term disability plans cover between 60-70% of a recipient’s regular salary.

If eligible claimants have access to long-term disability benefits through their employer’s group insurance plan, before receiving long-term disability payments, they may be required to exhaust other benefits available to them, such as:

• Sick leave
• Vacation time
• Short-term disability insurance
• Employment insurance

If you are self-employed or do not have long-term disability coverage through your employer’s insurance plan, you may not have access to short-term options. However, there may still be a waiting period, known as an “elimination period.” This refers to the length of time you may be required to wait before you can collect long-term disability benefits payments. An elimination period may last for several months after a claimant receives a diagnosis preventing them from returning to work.

Insurance Providers May Deny Long-Term Disability Benefits Claims

For a number of reasons, insurance companies may deny claims for long-term disability benefits. If your benefits claim was denied but you believe you are entitled to receive them, a long-term disability claims lawyer may be able to help you appeal or litigate the insurance provider’s decision. Depending on your circumstances, a lawyer may advise you to file legal action against the insurer that fairly denied your claim, rather than pursuing an internal appeal.

Discussing your options with a lawyer may help you better understand the legal options available to you, and help pursue compensation on your behalf. If you decide to file a lawsuit against your insurance provider, you may need to take action quickly. According to the Ontario Limitations Act of 2002, S.O. 2002, Chapter 24, policyholders whose benefits claims were denied typically have only two years to file a suit.

Talk to Preszler Injury Lawyers Today

If your long-term disability benefits claim was unfairly denied, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help you pursue legal action. To discuss the details of your claim, call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE for a free, initial consultation.