7 Steps to Apply for Long-Term Disability


Getting your long-term disability application approved can be a much needed and deserved relief. Having the financial support that you need makes a huge difference and will give you a much-needed boost to your mental health. If you want to give yourself the greatest chance of having your application approved read on…

1. Get the application done!

If you are in need of the support provided by long-term disability then the first thing that you need to do is to apply for it. You will not be automatically awarded this benefit and making sure that you have all of the forms filled out correctly and submitted to the right office is vital to making your claim successful.

There will also be a delay in getting the forms examined and your case approved. So, if you are in need of the support as soon as possible, you should make sure that you get your application completed as soon as possible. Any delay in getting your forms submitted may also count against you when it comes to approving or denying your claim.

2. Speak to your doctor

You will need the support of your doctor when it comes to your long-term disability application. They will provide you with supporting documentation that detail why you are eligible for the benefits. A doctor that does not support your claim will make it very challenging when it comes to having your application for long-term disability accepted.

3. Don’t go overboard

The description that you provide of your disability or injury should be detailed and clear. It must also align with the medical records you have received from your doctor. When it comes to how you describe it, you should keep it simple and not elaborate too much. This will give the long-term disability insurer no discrepancies to use as a way to dispute your claim.

4. Your medical records will speak for you

With the backing of your doctor, your medical records will be the most substantial proof that you can provide as to the need to have long-term disability. You will still need to provide your own input, but everything should relate back to the information that your doctor has provided.

5. You need to follow the rules

The amount of paperwork that you will need to put together in order to submit a valid application for long-term disability can be quite overwhelming. You do need to make sure that you follow every step and complete every form as directed. This can be very frustrating as it may seem endless. This will all be worth it though in the end when you have your application approved. If you need legal help, contact a disability insurance lawyer for their professional insights and expertise.

6. Think before you speak

Everything you say to the insurance adjuster will be recorded in their notes. You need to be very careful how you answer their questions as everything that you say will be taken into account when it comes to the processing of your long-term disability application. The last thing that you want is to say something that they can use to invalidate your claim.

7. Know that they’re going to look at social media

Many people are shocked to hear the number of times that a claim is denied due to evidence that is found online. Your media habits can be used against you a great deal. For example, if it can be proven that you are playing games or spending many hours on Facebook, then that shows that you are able to use a computer and concentrate for an extended period. Photos taken out of context can also be harmful to your claim.