Last year brought new ERISA rules for the long-term disability benefits claim process. If you have short- or long-term disability insurance in an ERISA plan, most of these changes affect your employer, giving employees more rights. Here’s what you should know about the new system. This blog post will provide an overview of the 2018 […]
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How Union Reps Affect Your Claim to Union-Funded Long-Term Disability Benefits
Union representatives can be an important ally at work. They can negotiate on your behalf, help resolve workplace conflicts, and step in when a long-term disability threatens your employment. But if your employer benefits package includes union-funded long-term disability benefits, you may need to know how best to work with your union reps, and when […]
Continue ReadingLong Term Disability Benefits Denied or Terminated? How to Appeal
You employer-provided long term disability insurance is supposed to cover you when your mental or physical condition makes it impossible to work. But actually receiving benefits can often be challenging. Find out how to appeal if you have had your long term disability benefits denied or terminated. This blog post will address the appeals process […]
Continue ReadingQuick rundown of SSR 18-3p: Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment
In this brief video, I talk about a new ruling Social Security published on October 30, 2018, making it harder for people struggling to follow their doctors’ treatment advice to obtain disability. The key takeaway – if a doctor prescribes treatment, it’s critical that you talk to that doctor if, for any reason, you can’t […]
Continue ReadingWhat Is the Difference between “Own Occupation” and “Any Occupation” in Long-Term Disability Insurance Policies?
Your long-term disability insurance (LTD) policy likely defines disability based on whether are able to perform your “own occupation” or “any occupation.” You probably want to know — and need to know — what the difference is between “own occupation” and “any occupation” in long-term disability insurance policies and what each term means. Those provisions […]
Continue ReadingHow to Apply for Long Term Disability in New Jersey
If you are disabled from working, you may well be depending on receiving long-term disability benefits through a policy provided by your employer. Knowing the right steps and timeframe in which to apply for long term disability benefits (LTD benefits) can make all the difference in being approved for benefits when you need them most. […]
Continue ReadingCommon denial tactics by insurance companies
Why are LTD disability claims usually terminated or denied? Every claim is decided individually, but long-term disability insurance companies often follow the same playbook when coming up with reasons to deny benefits. Finding a long term disability lawyer who knows that playbook can help you respond quickly and effectively to a wrongful denial of your […]
Continue ReadingNet Worth – No Longer a Factor in VA Health Care Eligibility
The Veterans Administration announced yesterday that it has eliminated the use of net worth as a factor for health care programs and copayment responsibilities. This change will make an estimated 190,000 Veterans eligible for reduced costs of their health services within an estimated 5-year period. Effective this year, VA health care benefits are more accessible […]
Continue ReadingDoes the dropping of the “Asperger’s Disorder” diagnosis impact children’s SSI disability benefits?
According to the Associated Press, the diagnosis of “Asperger’s disorder” is being dropped from the upcoming revision to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual being worked on by the American Psychiatric Association for publication in May of 2013. However, parents of children or adults suffering from the impairment currently defined as Asperger’s have little reason to worry […]
Continue ReadingDisability Insurance: More Important Than Life Insurance?
By David S. Bross, Esquire While most Americans insure their lives and material assets, like their homes, cars, etc., many overlook the need to protect their most valuable asset — the ability to earn an income. According to Kenneth Podell, CLU, a financial advisor with Mass Mutual, insurance claims studies indicate that the odds of […]
Continue ReadingAre You “Insured” For Social Security Disability Benefits?
By David S. Bross, Esquire Julia Robertson (a pseudonym) is a 42 year-old mother of two. After earning her associates’ degree in nursing, she worked full time as an RN for several area hospitals for 14 years. When she decided eight years ago to stop working so that she and her husband could start and […]
Continue ReadingHow to Succeed in Your Disability Claim While Saving Your Life
By David S. Bross, Esquire In previous columns, I have offered mostly “nuts and bolts” instructions for filing and succeeding in disability claims. Here is a modest suggestion, which I think, kills two birds with one stone: LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR. This strengthens your chances of winning when you make a disability claim, while also […]
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