What happens if your claim is approved?

If the insurance company approves your claim, both you and your employer will be notified in writing. The notice will include the benefit payment start date and amount. Benefits are usually paid monthly.

When do benefit payments start?

Your payments will begin from the date the elimination period is completed. The elimination period is also known as the waiting or qualifying period, and refers to the length of time from when you became disabled until you are entitled to begin receiving benefits. The waiting period is unique to every insurance policy, but usually ranges from four months to 52 weeks.

Also, if you are currently receiving short-term disability benefits, or EI sickness benefits, you will normally begin to receive your LTD benefits after these end.

How much will you receive?

Disability benefits are normally based on a percentage of your monthly earnings at the time you become disabled, usually between 60% to 85%.

Your responsibilities while receiving benefits

If your claim is approved you will have a number of responsibilities you must fulfill in order to continue receiving benefits. These may include:

• following any reasonable treatment options
• participating in a rehabilitation program
• participating in a return-to-work program
• providing additional information such as up-dates from your healthcare providers
• informing your insurance provider of any income you receive

When do benefits end?

LTD benefits will end for a number of reasons, including:

• recovery from the illness or injury
• death
• retirement
• becoming 65 years of age
• not submitting proof of ongoing disability
• discontinuing professional treatment for the disability
• refusing to undergo a medical examination required by the insurance company
• refusing to participate in an approved rehabilitation program
• being in prison or a similar institution

Get legal advice and help

Filing a claim for LTD can be a difficult, confusing and lengthy process. Each policy is different. Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application can lead to a claim being denied. A personal injury or disability insurance lawyer can help you understand your policy, notify you of any deadlines, guide you through the claim process, review your forms and documents and deal with the insurance company. This will help ensure that you will get the benefits you deserve in a timely manner. Even when an individual has a legitimate cause for claiming their long-term disability benefits, often insurance companies will initially deny the claim, or offer an amount much lower than asked for. If you or someone you care about suffers from a long-term disability and has disability insurance, contact a personal injury lawyer. They can help you get the LTD benefits you are entitled to, even if your claim was denied.

								
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