Long-term disability benefits were created to provide financial assistance and medical insurance to individuals who have a physical and cognitive condition that prevents them from working. However, figuring out how to get long-term disability approved requires understanding what you should not do, as well.
The most practical way to avoid making mistakes on your application and how long-term disability works is by reviewing the following tips from our Arizona disability lawyers:
1: Not Understanding Your Policy Terms
You must know the specific terms and conditions related to your disability coverage. This strategy will help you avoid common pitfalls and denial reasons.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to misrepresent your medical condition and then use it against you later to deny you the benefits you deserve. This denial can take as much as 24 months before even reaching the appeals process.
2: Misrepresenting Your Medical Condition
Be truthful and thorough when you represent your medical conditions, especially if you have co-morbid or multiple conditions. Avoid downplaying your disability since you may not receive adequate coverage later on.
3. Quitting Your Job or Retiring
When you are experiencing the symptoms of a disability, it is an attractive thought to quit your job or retire. You should wait before resigning, retiring, or entering into any other agreement that terminates your employment.
Any resignation or severance agreement may impact your eligibility for disability benefits. Other tactics allow you to end employment while protecting your disability benefits. Contact our long-term disability attorneys before committing to and executing a decision.
4. Waiting to Make an Appeal
If your claim was denied, there are shorter timelines by which you have to file an appeal and seek relief through the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). You have up to 60 days from receiving your denial letter to request a reconsideration.
You can also have a conversation with a disability attorney about receiving short-term disability in the interim. Doing so will allow you to submit a claim for benefits that you would otherwise not be eligible to receive.
Contact an Arizona Long-Term Disability Lawyer for Legal Guidance
It is tremendously valuable to speak with an Arizona long-term disability lawyer when filing a disability claim or navigating the complexities of an appeal. The legal team at Sandstone Law Group offers potential clients a free case review so that you can discuss your options and evaluate our legal services.
Plus, we do not charge an upfront fee so that everyone with a claim can have access to experienced representation. Request your free consultation with Sandstone Law Group by calling (602) 615-0050 or completing our online form.
Erin Ronstadt
Long-Term Disability & Long-Term Care Insurance Lawyer
Erin Ronstadt is a long-term disability and long-term care insurance attorney based in Arizona. As a Managing Partner & Attorney at Sandstone Law Group alongside Kyle Shelton, she focuses on disability benefits appeals and litigation, long-term care insurance denials, insurance bad faith, and a wide range of other insurance law matters.
Erin has extensive experience litigating claims in both state and federal courts. She has successfully represented clients against many of the nation’s largest insurance carriers and several Fortune 500 companies.