When dealing with a disability or chronic condition, it can be a stressful time. Especially when you are experiencing debilitating symptoms which are making it impossible for you to work, and you are waiting for a diagnosis from your medical professionals.

Share Lawyers is here to help you with some questions you might have while either waiting for your claim to be processed or what to do when you claim is denied.

What should I do when my insurance company denies my claim and I still have no diagnosis?

If you believe that your insurance company has wrongfully denied your claim for long term disability benefits or even if you are simply unsure of the reason why your benefits were not approved, you should immediately seek legal advice to ensure that you are fully aware of your rights and able to challenge the insurance company’s decision as soon as possible.

I got fired while on my long term disability leave, and I am still searching for answers about my condition. What can I do?

Long term disability policies have eligibility requirements. Sometimes they have an actively at work provision in the policy which means you need to be actively at work when you become disabled. There are policies that allow for an application for disability while on a leave of absence such as maternity leave. You will need to get a copy of your policy or benefit booklet and consult a lawyer.

How long is the waiting period to get your disability claim approved?

Most disability insurance policies have an elimination period, also known as a "waiting," or "qualifying" period that is defined as the time between the date of the onset of disability and the date you are eligible to receive disability benefits. For short-term claims, this period can range anywhere from zero days to 10 days or more. For long-term claims, this period may be 90 days, but can be longer or shorter depending on the policy.

If short-term benefits are provided by the same insurer, the long-term elimination period will often be the same length of time that your short-term, employment insurance or employee sick benefits run. This period also varies from policy to policy. Making a claim for long-term benefits before your short-term period ends will ensure that there is no lag in-between, unless you are denied benefits.

File A Claim For Disability Benefits As Soon As You Are Disabled

You should file a claim for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled and if your doctor estimates the recovery time may be longer than the length of your waiting period. If you are unsure how long your recovery will take, apply anyway.

You do not have to wait for the elimination period to be over before you file your claim. In fact, it is advised that you submit your claim before the end of your elimination period.

Benefits are not guaranteed to be paid out after the elimination period. Your insurer may deny your benefits for any number of reasons.

Has your long-term disability claim been denied? Contact Share Lawyers and put our experience to work for you. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case. Find out if you have a disability case.

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Denied your long term disability claim?

Contact Share Lawyers today and put our experience to work for you. Our 35+ years of experience can help you win your case against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless you win your case. Join us on Facebook and become a Top Fan for a chance to win each month.