Even the most carefully prepared long-term disability (LTD) claims can be denied by insurance providers. LTD insurance companies profit more from denying claims than accepting them, so they will do everything they can to deny claims when possible.
If you have a disability and your LTD claim is denied, it can be detrimental to you. Many people with disabilities depend on their LTD insurance and are unable to work at all or enough to make ends meet because of their disability. Here is what to do if your LTD claim is denied.
How to Respond to LTD Claim Denial
If your long-term disability claim is denied, you will receive a letter notifying you of this. Sometimes insurance companies will ignore doctors’ reports, state that there is not enough medical evidence to qualify your condition as a disability, or suggest that it is not a disability but a pre-existing condition. As soon as you receive this letter, you should talk to a reputable lawyer to determine the best course of action.
Appealing the Denial
If your application for LTD benefits has been denied, you have the option to appeal the denial. Consult with a lawyer who can advise you as to whether it is worth your time and effort to file an appeal. A successful appeal will rely on the ability to provide document-based evidence such as medical records that prove the legitimacy of your long-term disability claim.
Filing an appeal can take time and there are no guarantees that it will come through, so it is a good idea to look into other benefits that you may be eligible for at this time.
Other Insurance Options
If you are unable to work full time on a long-term basis as a direct result of your disability, you should apply for Canadian Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefits. Anyone who has sufficiently paid into CPP and has a disability is eligible for these benefits. CPP-D benefits will give you some income to rely on if your application for LTD benefits is denied.
If your disability is the result of a car accident, you may be eligible for no-fault benefits from ICBC and additional compensation if the accident was due to another party’s negligence or recklessness.
If you are dealing with the denial of your LTD claim and would like more information on filing an appeal and alternate benefits, speak to a lawyer now.