Long-term disability benefits are usually paid by an employer or an insurance company when an employee cannot work due to injury, accident, or illness for a long time. Hundreds of people depend on these benefits from their employers to meet their families’ financial needs.
However, it is essential to appreciate that there are many insurance brokers who sell policies for long-term disability benefits. Depending on the terms of the agreement, your employer or insurance company will pay the benefits indefinitely or for a particular period.
Under this policy, benefits will be paid if the conditions under the agreement have hindered you from attending to the duties assigned by your employer. Your condition must be included or at least covered by the definition of disability clause in your policy so that you can receive coverage for medical treatment and income replacement benefits.
Workplace Safety and LTD Benefits
Many people mistake long-term disability benefits with the conditions that have been covered under workplace safety policies. Some of the injuries and illnesses are already covered under workplace safety policies, which means they will not be considered under the long-term disability benefits. LTD does not cover workplace injuries and accidents. They cover an employee who has suffered incapacitating injuries outside the work environment, such as a car accident.
To avoid making mistakes when choosing an insurance plan, check with your employer or insurance provider so that you can understand what is defined as a disability under the policy.
Injuries and Illnesses That Qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits
Although most of the policies are dependent on the insurance company or the employer, they have common illnesses and injuries that are categorized as LTD and therefore attract benefits. Some of these injuries and diseases are:
- Cerebral palsy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Seizure disorders
- Brain, spine, or joint injuries
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy
- Heart Disease
- Herniated discs
- HIV/AIDS
- Speech disorders
- Asthma
- Anxiety disorders
- Cancer
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychosis
- Neuropathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Inner-ear/Balance disorders
- Knee disorders
- Leukemia
- Bipolar disorder
- Lung disease
- Lupus
- Morbid obesity
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
Professional Medical Diagnosis
Thousands of people have missed long-term disability benefits after failing to prove that they are incapacitated to handle any work. Therefore, to find out if you qualify for long term disability benefits, it is crucial to present a professional medical report after diagnosis. This is the only way you will be able to prove that your condition requires medical coverage and income benefits in the long-term.
Insurance companies are profit-making organizations, which means they will always focus on the weaknesses and gaps your medical report has. To avoid delays or outright rejection of your medical report, it is always essential to work with a professional physician for a diagnosis.
Also, preset all the documents supporting your medical condition to prove you are incapacitated. The medical records submitted should also be in a position to demonstrate the extent of disability.
How a Long-Term Disability Attorney Can Help
When applying for a long-term disability benefits policy, it is essential to consult a legal expert who has a comprehensive understanding of the policy. All the documents involved are highly technical, which means that it will be hard for you to understand what is covered or not if you do not have a legal background.
Besides, when activating your policy with your employer or insurance company, using an attorney will help to fasten the process and get your benefits immediately. Without the assistance of your legal expert, the insurance company will likely deny or compromise with your medical coverage and income replacement benefits.
