3 Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits
Falling ill or suffering an injury that prevents you from holding employment can disrupt your life and leave you worried about how you will pay all of your bills and keep a roof over your head. Long term disability insurance, whether you hold a private policy or one through your employer, can provide a much needed financial safety net when you are unable to earn an income through employment. Unfortunately, being approved for long term disability benefits can be a long and hard process. Avoid the following mistakes if you want to increase the likelihood of your application for long term disability insurance benefits being approved:
Ignoring your Doctor's Orders
When it comes to long term disability benefits, your medical record will play a major role in determining whether or not your physical or mental health problems are serious enough to qualify you for benefits. Thus, it is absolutely essential that you visit a doctor regularly to receive care for whatever health problem you are suffering from, and follow your doctor's treatment plan to the letter. If you skip doctor's appointment or partake in activities that are against medical advice, the insurance company that holds your long term disability policy may find that you do not meet the criteria to begin collecting long term disability benefits.
Relying Only on the Insurance Claim Forms
When you put in a claim for long term disability benefits, the insurance company carrying your policy will most likely send forms for you and your doctor to fill out. You should definitely have your doctor fill out the forms, but the information provided in the forms may not be enough to prove your claim. It is in your best interest to ask your doctor to create a detailed report that clearly explains how your injury, illness, or mental health condition prevents you from being able to hold a job. There is a chance that there will be an extra cost to you to have this report created, but it is well worth the investment since it will provide extra evidence for your claim.
Failure to Contact a Lawyer
Whether you have personally been paying for long term disability insurance or you have a policy through your employer, insurance companies are typically not in the business of paying out on claims if they can find a way not to. If you are having difficulty with your long term disability insurance claim, it is a good idea to contact a long term disability attorney. He or she will be able to work on your behalf to negotiate with the insurance company, provide proof of your claim, and help you get the benefits that you are entitled to.
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