How Long Can an Employee Stay on Long-Term Disability?

The length of time an employee may be able to collect long-term disability benefits payments might be dependent on a number of factors. The stipulations of the recipient’s insurance policy and the severity of their medical condition may both contribute to their continued eligibility for long-term disability benefits. In general, as long as a recipient’s medical condition continues to meet an insurer’s qualification requirements, they may continue to receive benefits for the full length of their policy coverage, or until their 65th birthday. Recipients of long-term disability benefits may be eligible for pension benefits, as well.

If your medical condition prevents you from fulfilling the duties of your job, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits. In some cases, an eligible recipient’s medical condition may improve with time, allowing them to return to work so they no longer need to claim disability payments. Alternatively, after a lengthy period of coverage, benefits recipients may be able to work in a different field, which may cause an insurance company to halt their payments. If a medical professional does not give a benefits recipient permission to return to work, this individual may need to remain on long-term disability for as long as possible.

Each Long-Term Disability Policy Sets Its Own Time Limits

The duration that a worker’s long-term disability benefits may last depends on the specific details of the policy. If you are interested in purchasing your own private insurance policy, some questions to consider when deciding which policy is best for you include:

• Does the policy have a set time frame, such as three, five, or ten years?
• Will this policy allow you to receive benefits until you turn 65 if you qualify?
• Does the policy include a lifetime benefit clause, allowing you to collect benefits after the age of 65?

If you are eligible to receive long-term disability benefits but are unsure how long these benefits may last, a long-term disability claims lawyer may be able to help you thoroughly review and interpret your policy.

In some cases, eligible workers may have other options for coverage once their long-term disability benefits run out. If they qualify, they may be able to collect their pension or apply for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits.

Eligibility Rules Can Change Over Time

Oftentimes, insurance policies have rules in place that may make it more difficult for eligible policyholders to keep receiving their long-term disability benefits after a set period of time.

In order to initially qualify for long-term disability benefits, policyholders may have to prove that their medical conditions will not allow them to perform the duties of their current occupation. However, after receiving long-term disability payments for a lengthy period of time, benefits recipients may need to prove that their illness or injury prevents them from performing the duties of any job, even those outside their field.

You May Be Able to Challenge a Denied Claim

If your insurance provider denied your claim for long-term disability benefits or has stopped making payments to you even though you believe you still qualify, a long-term disability claims lawyer may be able to help you appeal their decision. With the assistance of a lawyer, you may be able to file an internal appeal with the insurance company or pursue an external appeal, or lawsuit, in court to try overturning unfair decisions about your benefits claim.

The Limitations Act of 2002, S.O. 2002, Chapter 24 sets a two-year time limit on filing lawsuits against insurance carriers. This limited time period begins after receiving notice of their decision to deny your benefits claim, and is not affected by appeals that may be filed against the company’s decision in the interim.

Talk to Preszler Injury Lawyers About Your Benefits Claim Today

Based on your medical condition, prognosis, and the details of your policy, a long-term disability claims lawyer may be able to help you understand how long you can continue collecting benefits. If your benefits claim has been unfairly denied, or your payments have been unfairly stopped, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help you appeal the insurance company’s decision. To learn more about legal options that might be available to you, call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE for a free, initial consultation.