Posted on Monday, July 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
The Philadelphia long-term disability insurance attorneys at Capitan Law focus solely on these cases; we never represent the insurance companies. We know how crucial a long-term disability insurance policy can be for safeguarding your financial health and ensuring 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 50-60 percent of your income, while others might go as high as 70 or 80 percent. How much does long-term disability pay? This depends on your specific policy and the percentage it covers, but it’s generally designed to provide sufficient support during your recovery period.
- Waiver of Premium: While 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 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.
Sometimes, 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 review your policy 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, such as workers’ compensation, short-term disability benefits, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), often do not. While workers’ compensation provides benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses, it does not cover disabilities outside of work. Short-term disability insurance only provides benefits for a limited period, typically up to six months. Long-term disability insurance fills these gaps, offering financial protection for various medical conditions, including chronic illnesses and injuries sustained outside the workplace.
Long-term disability insurance ensures 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 difficult moments, 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 Philadelphia long-term disability insurance attorneys at Capitan Law can address these issues on your behalf. Our team can gather and submit the necessary documentation, ensure you meet the 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.
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