The process of applying for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be confusing. To qualify, you first must have worked in jobs in which you paid into Social Security. Then, you must have a condition or combination of conditions that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. The SSA follows a five-step sequential […]
Continue ReadingLong Term Disability
Would a Dire Need Letter Help My Disability Appeal?
Applying for disability benefits can be a long and frustrating process. It typically takes the Social Security Administration (SSA) 3 to 5 months to make an initial determination on an application. If the initial appeal is denied, a Request for Reconsideration may take another 6 months. If the request for reconsideration is denied, then a […]
Continue ReadingDo You Have to Answer Insurance Company Requests for Documents?
When you are filing a claim for long-term disability benefits, it can seem like you spend all your time gathering paperwork. Do you have the right to say no? Or do you have to answer insurance company requests for documents? In this blog post I will discuss the various kinds of papers and documents that […]
Continue ReadingCan Your Insurance Company Terminate Ongoing Long-Term Disability Benefits if You Start Working?
When a long-term disability takes you away from your career, it doesn’t automatically mean you will have to stay home watching TV forever. Many disabled employees find meaning and money from part-time or full-time employment that suits their disability. But could that put their income in jeopardy? Can your insurance company terminate ongoing long-term disability […]
Continue ReadingWhat Happens After You File a Claim for Long-Term Disability Benefits
Deciding that you can no longer work because of a long-term disability is only the first step to what can seem like a very long process. Find out what happens after you file a claim for long-term disability benefits, and how soon you can expect to start receiving benefits. This blog post will review the […]
Continue ReadingShould You Sign That Long-Term Disability Insurance Policy Buyout?
Negotiating with your long-term disability insurance company doesn’t end when the adjuster agrees you are disabled. Dealing with ongoing disability assessments and claims forms can be a burden. So, when a long-term disability insurance policy buyout option arrives it might be tempting to sign the settlement agreement and be done with the insurance company forever. […]
Continue ReadingWhat to do After Your Long Term Disability Claim Got Denied
When a long-term disability forces you to leave your employment, you may be counting on your ERISA long-term disability insurance policy to cover important life expenses and keep your family afloat. When that claim is denied, it can create financial challenges and make you feel like you have been taken advantage of. Know your rights […]
Continue ReadingNew ERISA Rules For Long-Term Disability Benefits Claim Process: What You Need to Know
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 […]
Continue ReadingHow 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 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 […]
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