Five Common Myths About Long Term Disabilities Benefits
Long term disability benefits (LTD) you may be entitled to through your employer, through private policies you purchase, or through the Social Security Administration can provide a safety net if you are unable to work, offsetting lost income. There are lots of myths surrounding these benefits. The following are some of the most common.
- Long term disabilities only happen if you are older or sick.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 61 million Americans are currently living with some type of long term disability. Contrary to popular myths, these do not impact only older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. They can happen to anyone and at any age. Among young, otherwise healthy people, accidental injuries, such as car crashes or sports and recreation accidents, are a common cause.
- If I have long term disability insurance provided through my employer, I do not need a private policy.
Long term disability (LTD) benefits available through your employer can help in the event you are unable to work. However, it is important to be aware of the terms of your policy. Depending on when the policy goes into effect, the overall amount of benefits you are entitled to, how long the policy pays, and any exclusions, you may want to purchase additional LTD coverage through a private insurer.
- If I had a solid work history prior to becoming disabled, I can get Social Security disability benefits.
There are several factors that influence your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. You must be diagnosed with a qualifying condition and have worked long enough to earn the required number of credits. You must also have a recent work history, which could be an issue if your disability stems from ongoing health issues.
- Provided my doctor says I am disabled, I can qualify for long term disability benefits.
Having a doctor diagnose you as being disabled is an important first step in obtaining long term disability benefits. However, you will still need to provide copies of your work history, medical records indicating any doctors, specialists, diagnostic testing, and treatments you have received over the years related to your condition, and statements from you, your family, and your employer detailing the impacts you suffer due to your condition.
- I cannot collect both long term disability and Social Security disability benefits.
Quite to the contrary, you should apply both for long term disability benefits through your employer and through the Social Security Administration as soon as you become disabled and unable to work. Many insurance companies require this before approving your claim.
Let Us Help You Today
At Farrell Disability Law, we can fill you in on the facts regarding long term disability insurance and your rights to benefits. For help in filing a claim or appealing one that has been denied, call or contact our Orlando long term disability attorney online and request a consultation in our office today.
Source:
cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html#:~:text=61%20million%20adults%20in%20the,have%20some%20type%20of%20disability.
