If you're suffering a disability that's preventing you from working, you need to know that you have a source of income available to you. Disability payments are one type of income that can help you survive financially. Long-term disability benefits are different from Social Security Disability benefits, in that long-term disability benefits come from individual insurance policies. If you're going to be using your long-term disability benefits, here's some information you'll need to know.
You'll Start With Short-Term Benefits
If you're going to go out on disability, you won't receive your long-term disability benefits right away. Instead, you'll start with short-term benefits. For the first several months of your disability, you'll receive benefits from a short-term policy. Once your health care provider determines that your disability will extend beyond the limits of your short-term policy, you'll begin receiving your long-term benefits.
Your Long-Term Benefits Will Have a Time Limit
When most people tap into their long-term disability benefits, they assume that those benefits will last for as long as the disability exists; however, that's not the case. Long-term disability benefits have time limits attached to them. While most policies will provide benefits up to the age of retirement, others may end prior to that date. However, once your long-term disability benefits end, you'll be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.
You'll Need to Apply for Your Benefits
If you're disabled, and you're covered by a long-term disability policy, you'll need to apply for your benefits. There is an application process that you'll need to go through before you can begin receiving your monthly benefits. The application process will require your doctors to provide documentation regarding your disability and how it affects your life. It's important that you apply for your benefits as quickly as possible since the process can be time-consuming and lengthy.
You May Require Legal Representation
Finally, if you need to utilize your long-term disability benefits, you may require legal representation. It's not uncommon for providers to deny applications for benefits. If that happens, you'll need an attorney to help you through the appeals process. An attorney may also be necessary should your provider refuse to extend your coverage once the need for long-term disability payments becomes necessary. In addition, if you have questions or concerns about your disability coverage, you'll need to consult an attorney right away. They can help you understand how your benefits work. For more information about long term disability and its benefits, reach out to a law firm such as Iler and Iler.
Share20 January 2020
