Applying For Disability Benefits Tips

Making the decision to go on a disability leave can be a very scary time in your life. You have always worked hard and you never thought you would be put in a position where you are unable to work. Unfortunately, things do not always go to plan and you are at a point where you need to apply for your short term disability or long term disability benefits.

By submitting a disability claim, you are not showing weakness. It shows strength to recognize that you need time to focus on your health. The goal is to get better. Your short term disability and long term disability benefits are there to provide you with financial support until you can return to work.

You are not alone. Share Lawyers and our team of long term disability lawyers are here to support you. We can provide you with tips on how to apply and prepare you in case your disability benefits are denied. Take a look at the great tips below and download one of our booklets including “How to Apply for Disability Benefits” and “What to do when your Insurance Company Denies your Disability Claim”.

If you are considering filing a disability claim against your insurance company:

• DO make sure you file the disability claim in a timely manner to avoid missing deadlines.
• DO keep records of everything related to your disability case.
• DO take notes of your conversations with the insurance companies and your doctors and nurses.
• DO be honest with your doctor.
• DO read your insurance policy – Familiarize yourself with the part of your policy that dictates the proper procedure for filing a claim.
• DO be honest when filing your disability claim – Fraudulent or exaggerated claims can backfire on you, and can even mean serious criminal charges.
• DO contact Share Lawyers in the event that your claim is denied and arrange a free consultation.
• DO provide your disability lawyer with the proper documentation of:
  • Your insurance contract, including definitions of total and partial disability, total amount of benefits, cost of living adjustments, automatic benefit increases, length of time benefits are payable.
  • Prepare a complete medical history document, including doctor diagnoses, specialists visited, major test results, specific timeline of condition, medications taken, prognosis reports, family situation, physical and mental restrictions, effects of the disability on every day life, financial effects, recreational effects (what activities are you now unable to do because of the illness or injury), describe how the illness prevents you from performing your job – be prepared to discuss every aspect of your claim.
• DON’T sign anything from the insurance company without carefully reviewing it first – It could potentially be used against you during your case.
• DON’T let too much time go by – There is a statute of limitations on your disability claim.
• DON’T overdo – or participate in activities in public that might be construed as proof that you are not disabled. The insurance companies may document this, even with video, and may use this against you.
• DON’T file one claim at a time – If you’re disabled in more than one way, don’t let the insurance companies tell you that you can only file one claim at a time. Your policy covers your entire body and potentially all the ways it can be disabled.
• DON’T cut back working hours – By opting for fewer working hours because of your disability, you may be inadvertently giving up your disability benefits.
• DON’T settle for less than you deserve.
• DON’T delay in contacting an experienced long term disability lawyer – After your claim has been denied, contact us immediately to understand your options. The earlier a lawyer is Involved, the better your chances are of getting maximum benefits.

Share Lawyers has been in business for over 30 years and we specialize in private and group disability claims that are denied by insurance companies. We have settled thousands of cases for our clients to get them the disability benefits they are entitled to. If your short term disability or long term disability benefits have been denied, talk to our team of disability lawyers with a free consultation to see how we can help you.