A long-term disability (LTD) policy can provide you a source of income if you can’t work because of health reasons. You can get LTD insurance coverage through your employer or buy it directly from an insurance company. If you are considering filing an LTD claim, you must hire an attorney who specializes in this field to help you navigate the complexities of related law and the processes involved.
Just because you have a disability does not mean you automatically qualify for LTD benefits. You should be suffering from one of the conditions that qualify for long term disability in the U.S. And your lawyer can walk you through these conditions and help you understand your legal options.
What is Long-Term Disability Insurance?
This kind of insurance covers serious injuries and illnesses that keep you out of work for at least three months. This includes permanent disabilities that make it impossible for you to return to work. LTD insurance works just like other kinds of insurance. Often, the benefit is a percentage of your income. In general, LTD policies can replace anywhere from 60% to 80% of your income. Additionally, a lot of policies replace the income lost if you need to take a lower-paying job because of an injury or illness.
Medical Conditions that Qualify for LTD Benefits in the U. S.
There is a long list of medical conditions that qualify for LTD benefits. These conditions include heart disease, hearing impairment, diabetes, depression, kidney disease, insomnia, leukemia, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, and more. However, you can still be eligible for these benefits even if your condition is not part of the general list. In fact, a combination of medical conditions can also qualify. Your lawyer can determine if your condition or combination of conditions qualifies you for benefits under your disability policy’s terms.
Importance of a Proper Medical Diagnosis
To get successful results in the LTD claims process, you should be able to present strong, well-documented medical evidence. You should have a proper medical diagnosis from a qualified doctor.
Keep in mind that insurance providers will find gaps in your claim. They will try to look for even minor errors in your file and exploit them. In fact, they may assert that you miss documentation. They can delay your claim or reject it even because of small issues. So, to make sure you get full benefits, make sure your medical records adequately show the extent or effects of your disability.
