How Much Does Long Term Disability Pay in Pennsylvania?

When you can’t work due to a long term disability, understanding how much your insurance policy will pay is crucial. In Pennsylvania, long term disability benefits aim to replace a significant portion of your income, usually between 50-80 percent of what you earned before your disability. Each policy varies, and the amount you receive can depend on several factors, including the terms of your coverage and any additional provisions in your plan.

The Pennsylvania long term disability insurance attorneys at Capitan Law focus solely on these cases, and we never represent the insurance companies. We know how crucial a long term disability insurance policy can be for safeguarding your financial health and making sure you can take care of yourself.

What Benefits Does Long Term Disability Insurance Provide?

While the specific benefits and amounts vary across insurance companies and policies, long term disability insurance typically provides the following benefits:

• Income Replacement: The primary benefit of a long term disability insurance policy is that it replaces a portion of your income if you cannot work due to a disability. Most policies pay between 50-60 percent of your income, while some policies might go as high as 70 or 80 percent.
• Waiver of Premium: While you are receiving disability benefits, you typically do not have to pay the insurance premiums. This waiver helps ease your financial burden by eliminating the cost of maintaining your policy while you cannot work.
• Survivor Benefits: If you pass away while receiving disability benefits, some long term disability insurance policies provide a payout to your family. This benefit helps ensure your loved ones have at least some financial support after your death.
• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): Many long term disability policies include cost-of-living adjustments. These adjustments increase your benefit amount over time to keep up with inflation, helping maintain your purchasing power as the cost of living rises.

Who Qualifies for Long Term Disability Insurance?

Insurance policies set their own rules about who qualifies for benefits. Typically, long term disability insurance doesn’t kick in unless you have an injury or illness that’s expected to last at least six months or has already lasted that long. Some policies don’t provide benefits unless your disability lasts or has already lasted for a year or longer.

In some cases, an insurance company might not require you to wait six months or longer to receive benefits if you have a terminal illness or injury. A lawyer can go over your policy with you to determine when you can start receiving benefits.

Why You Need Long Term Disability Insurance

Long term disability insurance is essential because it covers conditions that other benefits like workers’ compensation, short-term disability insurance, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) often do not. While workers’ comp provides benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses, it does not cover disabilities that occur outside of work. Short-term disability insurance only provides benefits for a limited period, typically up to six months. Long term disability insurance steps in to fill these gaps, offering financial protection for a broader range of conditions, including chronic illnesses and injuries sustained outside the workplace.

Having long term disability insurance ensures you have a safety net if you cannot work for an extended period. This financial stability is crucial for covering everyday expenses, medical bills, and any additional costs associated with your disability.

Without long term disability insurance, you might face significant financial challenges if you become disabled. SSDI can be difficult to qualify for and may not provide enough money to cover all your needs. Long term disability insurance bridges this gap, giving you peace of mind and financial security during a difficult time.

Common Issues with Long Term Disability Insurance Claims

While long term disability insurance can provide financial stability during a difficult moment, people often run into trouble when they file a claim. Common issues with long term disability claims include:

• Claim Denials: Insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons, including insufficient medical evidence or missed deadlines.
• Delayed Payments: Even after approval, benefits can be delayed due to processing issues or additional reviews.
• Insufficient Documentation: An insurance company might deny a claim if they don’t receive the required medical records and other documentation.
• Policy Exclusions: Some policies exclude certain conditions, making it challenging to get approved for benefits.
• Benefit Reductions: Insurance companies might reduce benefits based on other income sources, like SSDI.

Get Help from a Skilled LTD Attorney Today

The Pennsylvania long term disability insurance attorneys at Capitan Law can address these issues on your behalf. Our team can gather and submit the necessary documentation, see that you meet the necessary deadlines, and appeal a denied claim. We can help you obtain the benefits you’ve paid for and provide you with the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time. Call (267) 419-7888 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.