Area of Law: Personal Injury
Answer # 495
How much do long-term disability benefits pay and for how long?
Region: Ontario Answer # 495What 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. You should contact a long-term disability lawyer to be sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled.
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.
Being approved for long term disability benefits can involve complicated legal issues. To get help, ask a lawyer now.
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. 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 our preferred experts. They can help you get the LTD benefits you are entitled to, even if your claim was denied. They offer a free consultation and do not charge up-front fees:
Neinstein Long Term Disability Lawyers
Nicola (Nick) Giannantonio Legal Services
Being approved for long term disability benefits can involve complicated legal issues. To get help, ask a lawyer now.
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