A Complete Guide to Disability Claims
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 21% of disabled individuals were employed in 2022. However, with the increased popularity of remote jobs, individuals with disabilities now have the chance to secure employment more quickly. While there is still a disparity in employment for disabled individuals, there are certain medical and financial benefits that you can avail of if you're unable to work. This article will discuss how to file a disability claim and understand its eligibility criteria.
What Is Disability Insurance?
Disability insurance refers to an insurance product that covers your finances at work in case you're unable to work due to some disability, which could be either permanent, like a chronic disease, or temporary, like an injury. You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), private disability insurance, and other assistance programs if you fit their requirements.
Several insurance companies leverage solutions like those offered by Diligence International Group to determine the validity of foreign and domestic insurance claims, so you must make your disability claims properly.
Filing a Disability Claim
Here’s what you need to know about filing a claim.
1. What is a Disability Claim?
A disability claim is a request for the benefits of a disability plan by a claimant or their representative authority. You must ensure you fit the insurance company's criteria when making your disability claim. They typically look into the severity of the disability, work history, and financial need when evaluating a disability claim.
2. The Types of Disability Claims
You can make both short-term and long-term disability claims, depending on how long you need support. In short-term applications, it's essential to adequately understand the purpose, coverage, and application process to receive benefits as soon as possible. In the long term, medical evidence and ongoing disability reviews are vital in determining your claim's strength.
3. The Disability Application Process
Whether you apply in person, online, or over the phone depends on your insurance provider's application process. Either way, disability benefits applications follow a series of general steps. Your insurance provider's website will have a list of documents and information you need for the kind of claim that you're making. These can include, but are not limited to,
● employee statements
● medical records
● statements from your employer
● statements by your physician or primary care doctor.
If you're struggling to determine your eligibility and the required documents, it's a good idea to seek legal guidance from an insurance attorney proficient in disability claims. Once you've made your appeal and submitted it to the insurance company, they determine if you're eligible for the benefits. You will typically receive a decision within five business days.
Still, these appeals can take longer depending on factors such as clarifying the eligibility, obtaining medical records, and waiting on any approvals that the insurance company needs from your employer. You'll receive a written notice of the appeal decision, and the company will release funds in a couple of days if the response is positive.
Claim Denials
While most properly filled-out disability claims are accepted, there can be some reasons to deny them. If there are any discrepancies or inconsistencies in your application, even if they are by accident, the application might be rejected. Companies can also revoke your short-term plans if you're not following the course of treatment recommended to mitigate and manage your condition. Other factors may include insufficient medical evidence or a change in your eligibility status after you applied.
Endnote
Making a successful disability claim can sometimes be challenging if you're not familiar with the workplace laws and insurance policies that cater to your disability. We recommend contacting someone with legal knowledge to support you during the process. You should also ensure that your employer knows the details of the claim since their statement is significant to your lawsuit. If your claim gets rejected, you can apply for reconsideration by the insurance company or federal court. You can also reapply after a certain period if you make a mistake.