How Long Do I Have to Wait to Collect Long-Term Disability Benefits?
There is no exact answer because it depends on your policy, but generally, the length of time you may have to wait before you may begin collecting long-term disability (LTD) benefits could be several months.
There are specific qualifications to meet before your claim starts paying out. You need to have proof of your ailment, in addition to having a registered doctor fill out the appropriate disability paperwork. Even when that process is complete, the insurance company may still deny your claim. In fact, your doctor may go so far as to refuse to fill out your disability forms if they so wish. In that case, you have a few options on how to carry on, which include switching physicians or even hiring a personal injury lawyer to help plead your case.
Many employers provide LTD through their company as a way to give their employees a safety net to fall back on in the event of an untimely ailment or injury. Who pays for this LTD coverage varies, with some companies covering the premiums for their employees. For other employers, the LTD premiums need to be taken out of the employee’s paycheque regularly to allow them to qualify for candidacy.
Many insurance companies actually require that you apply for other forms of disability coverage before you may even apply for LTD. They do this for a number of reasons, but primarily it helps the company save money on their insurance payouts. Take, for example; individuals awarded the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) payout. The amount awarded from CPP is subtracted from the amount paid from LTD benefits, although the overall total may not vary. In application, if you are awarded payments of $1,000 through LTD and $500 through CPP, your overall total may still only be $1,000. The LTD insurer subtracts the $500 you receive from CPP from their LTD monetary responsibility, so you may simply get two different cheques for $500 each to match the grand total.
If you find yourself having problems getting approved for LTD claims, even though you are unable to work, you may contact a personal injury lawyer to take up your case. Hiring a lawyer may give you the peace of mind knowing that they are handling your legal case, which allows you to focus on your recovery and therapy. Together, you may work to protect your right to your qualifying compensation. These funds may pay for medical bills, medications, keeping up with mortgages and loans, and other areas where you need help the most.
A Team of Lawyers in Your Corner
Disability insurance and CPP programs are around to help workers stay afloat after a serious setback. When the programs fail to do their job, it is nothing short of an injustice. After all, you deserve to be taken care of when an unexpected injury strikes you. The team of disability lawyers at Preszler Injury Lawyers are here to help. We fight to protect your right to compensation so that you may continue with your life. In addition to physical ailments, and wondering how long you need to wait to collect long-term disability benefits, being unable to work may cause a great deal of mental anguish. The last thing you need to be worried about is how to make ends meet in a time like this.
Our team of lawyers do everything in their power to gather the documents you need to help prove your case and get the payments you deserve. We have worked with countless clients in the same position as you, so we know how hard these types of injustices may be. At the end of the day, our lawyers stand by you and help you move forward with the rest of your life. To find out more about our services, call today at 1-800-JUSTICE for your free initial consultation. You are not alone.
