Long-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability Insurance is very similar to Social Security Disability Insurance, except that it is provided by private, for-profit insurance corporations, and instead of the federal government. LTD coverage is generally obtained through an employer-sponsored program in which the employee and company contribute to the month-to-month premium. In most work settings, these group plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
The rules to qualify for benefits are very different from Social Security’s rules, and sometimes must involve an “arbitration” process involving an adversarial hearing before an arbitrator. The process can be a complex and lengthy process.
However, the basic issues are the same and require a lot of the same kinds of tactics to win the benefits you deserve. Although most of my work is with Social Security disability, I have successfully helped several Long-Term Disability Insurance policy holders to obtain the benefits they deserved, and would be happy to help you as well.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Options
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance is developed to change a portion of your earnings for a prolonged period when you are unable to perform any work or are limited to part-time work due to disability after your Short-Term Disability Insurance is tired.
LTD coverage is generally obtained through an employer-sponsored program in which the employee and company contribute to the month-to-month premium. In lots of work settings, these are group plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
When you are unable to work due to an illness or injury and have LTD coverage, benefits are gotten through your employer’s benefits representative, or straight from the insurer if you have a private strategy. While this appears simple, obtaining these benefits can be a complex and lengthy process.
First, your dealing with doctor must provide the insurance provider with documentation about your medical condition, consisting of records of medical professional’s goes to, lab work and radiological tests, any surgeries, recommended medications, psychotherapy, and rehabilitative care.
Your physician needs to likewise validate that you are not able to perform the duties of any job for which you are reasonably qualified or any other task that pays a percentage of what you once earned. This determination is based upon your training, education, and experience. Lastly, the medical professional needs to provide a price quote of the length of time you will be unable to work.
As soon as your claim and supporting documents are sent, there might be a long waiting period from the time you last worked until you receive LTD benefits. Depending upon the disability, your strategy, and the insurance provider, this duration may vary from 90 days to one year. At the end of the waiting duration, you will get a set portion of the wages you made prior to you became handicapped– usually around 60 percent. Finally, the terms of your LTD policy might restrict the benefits to a set number of years or until you reach a certain age.
Given the hold-ups related to getting these benefits, it might also be required to enlist in other public benefit programs such as SSDI and SSI. In fact, LTD policies typically need you to get SSDI. It is essential to keep in mind, however, that if you receive other public benefits, the percentage of LTD benefits might be lowered. Nonetheless, being registered in LTD and other public benefit programs at the same time can assist you become qualified for benefits under Medicare.
Types of Long-Term Disabilities
Long-lasting specials needs can arise from a broad variety of injuries and medical conditions that make preserving a typical work schedule difficult, consisting of autoimmune illness, cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, musculoskeletal and connective tissue conditions, physical injuries and more.
While insurer should provide the funds according to the regards to long-lasting disability agreements, the reality is that insurer are more concerned with the bottom line– revenues. In a lot of cases, they use whatever suggests they have to reject claims. We are committed to winning cases versus any insurance provider that tries to reject your claim of long-term disability.
Washington State Long-Term Disability Attorneys
The Disability Attorneys at Steve Hood Law are experienced in all aspects of long-term disability insurance and will explore all your alternatives. We will provide assistance with submitting an initial claim, enrollment in other important public benefit programs, in addition to continuous suggestions and counsel when benefits are received. In the event your claim is rejected, we will pursue an LTD appeal.
We comprehend the debilitating results of lots of physical and psychological conditions and will listen carefully to your requirements. We never offer a one-size-fits-all option to your issues, but gather details about the particular requirements of your task and how your specific disability avoids you from satisfying them. Our directing concept is to help our customers obtain the LTD benefits they have earned.
Call our Disability Lawyers today at (360) 392-3997 or complete the contact form on our website.