Does the "Own Occupation" Change of Definition Point Mean Your Benefits Are Maxed Out?
Does the "Own Occupation" Change of Definition Point Mean Your Benefits Are Maxed Out?

Change Of Definition to your policy

You're in the middle of a Long Term Disability Claim and you receive a letter from your insurance company. This letter states that there has been a Change of Definition to your policy from "Own Occupation" to "Any Occupation".

You are not a lawyer and none of this makes any sense. It appears like your insurance benefits are about to be taken away. What do you do now?

In a long term disability claim, quite often during the first 24 months of receiving disability, benefits are payable if you are unable to work at your "own occupation." After 24 months your insurance company may notify you that your benefits are now payable only if you cannot work at "any occupation" for which you have the required education, skill, or experience.

Impossible to qualify for "Any Occupation" benefits?

Insurance companies will often try to make you believe it's impossible to qualify for "any occupation" benefits. Often they will ask for a transferable skills assessment to determine if you are able to do things like answer phones, flip burgers or attend to a parking lot. If you can get out of bed in the morning, they assume you are fit to go to work!

The good news is that this does not necessarily mean that you are no longer entitled to your disability benefits! Your education, skills and experience combined with the salary you were earning prior to applying for disability benefits are all very important in determining whether you are still entitled to benefits after the 24 months or Change of Definition has occurred.

Best to consult a lawyer

It's always best to consult a lawyer to help you during your case - Share Lawyers will fight to help you win the benefits you deserve.

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.

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