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If your claim for disability benefits has been denied by your insurance company, it can be confusing and stressful. Creating a clear and persuasive disability appeal letter is the first step to standing up for your rights and securing your benefits. Here’s how to get started and succeed.
Understanding the Long Term Disability Appeal Process
The appeal process exists for those who want to challenge a denied disability claim with their insurance company. However, be aware that most Canadian disability lawyers do not recommend simply filing a standard appeal. In many cases, an initial appeal is just an internal review by the same insurer, causing more delays and possibly another denial. Instead, getting the right legal support early can improve your chances of success.
Still, if you choose to submit a formal disability appeal letter, here are the steps you’ll take:
Receive Your Denial: The insurance company sends you a denial letter outlining their reasons.
Review the Denial: Read thoroughly so you understand each reason for refusal.
Decide How to Proceed: Consult with a lawyer to review your options—appeal, negotiate, or sue.
Prepare Your Appeal Letter: If you move forward, submit a detailed and well-organized appeal letter along with all supporting documents.
For more guidance, check out:Considering a Long Term Disability Appeal? Do This Instead
Key Elements of a Successful Long Term Disability Appeal Letter
A persuasive disability appeal letter is clear, detailed, and addresses every concern raised by your insurance company. Here are the key elements to include:
Key Element | Why It Matters |
State it is a formal appeal | Signals to the insurance company you want a review |
Respond to every denial reason | Shows you understand their concerns and have a reply |
Attach strong medical evidence | Supports your claim with facts, not just statements |
Use letters from health care providers | Adds credibility to your explanation |
Include a personal impact statement | Explains how your condition affects your work/life |
Organize your points logically | Makes your case easy to follow and hard to dismiss |
Remain factual, not emotional | Focuses on facts, not feelings, for a stronger case |
How to Write an Effective Long Term Disability Appeal Letter: Practical Tips
Writing a strong disability appeal letter is more than just explaining your situation. Follow these practical tips to give your appeal letter its best chance:
- Start by Reviewing Your Denial Letter Thoroughly
Read every line and highlight all the reasons for denial.
Make a list of what the insurance company says is missing or insufficient.
- Know Your Appeal Deadline
Note any deadlines in your denial letter.
Mark the latest date by which you must respond. Missing this can end your claim.
- Request a Copy of Your Claim File
Ask the insurance company in writing for your complete claim file.
Review it for accuracy and missing documents before writing your appeal letter.
- Clearly State that This is a Formal Appeal
Use the words “formal appeal” in your letter’s opening lines.
Include your policy number and claim reference.
- Organize Your Letter Logically
Respond to each denial reason as a separate point.
Attach documents in the order referred to in your letter.
- Address Each Reason for Denial Individually
If you were denied for lack of medical evidence, provide new or clearer reports.
If the denial reason is about lack of objective findings, explain why your symptoms may not always appear on tests and offer specialist opinions if possible.
- Include Strong Medical Evidence
Laboratory results, specialist reports, treatment records.
Ensure your doctor’s statement clearly links your symptoms and your inability to work.
- Highlight How Your Condition Prevents You from Working
Briefly explain your job duties and which ones you cannot perform.
Use specific examples.
- Use Statements from Treating Healthcare Providers
Attach new and comprehensive letters from your doctors or therapists.
Ensure they explicitly support your inability to work.
- Include Personal Impact Statements
Write 1–2 paragraphs on how your condition affects daily life.
Include examples, but be brief and to the point.
- Be Factual, Not Emotional
Avoid language like “I feel desperate” or “this is unfair.”
Focus on facts and medical evidence.
- Avoid Generic or Template Responses
Do not copy online letters word-for-word. Personalize everything for your situation.
- Proofread and Keep a Copy
Double check for errors or unclear sections.
Save a copy of your entire submission (including attachments) for your records.
Disability Appeal Letter Checklist
Before submitting your disability appeal letter, make sure you have:
Reviewed your denial letter and listed each reason for denial
Checked the appeal deadline and set calendar reminders
Requested and reviewed your complete claim file
Clearly stated this is a formal appeal
Organized your letter by addressing each denial reason
Included updated medical evidence and reports
Attached supporting letters from treating healthcare providers
Written a personal impact statement
Used facts and clear language, not just emotion
Avoided using generic templates
Proofread every document
Kept a copy of everything submitted
Lena’s Journey: Writing an Appeal Letter
Lena has been working as an educational assistant for more than a decade. After years of managing chronic pain, she finally needed to take time off to rest and recover. When her application for disability benefits was denied, Lena felt overwhelmed and unsure how to write a long term disability appeal letter.
Seeking support, Lena connected with a knowledgeable disability advocate who guided her through each step of preparing her disability appeal letter. With clear instructions, Lena learned how to:
Gather and organize strong medical documentation to address each reason for the insurance company’s denial.
Clearly state that her letter was a formal appeal letter and respond directly to every point raised by the insurer.
Include compelling statements from her healthcare providers along with a personal impact statement that detailed how her condition affected her ability to work.
Proofread and assemble her appeal package, keeping copies of everything submitted.
Thanks to this support, Lena’s appeal letter was thorough and well-organized. Her insurance company reversed the denial, approving her claim for disability benefits. Lena’s story highlights how working with a skilled professional can help clarify the appeal process, ensure each key element is addressed, and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
If you’ve received a denial from your insurance company or have questions about your disability benefits, Share Lawyers is here to offer clear, compassionate support. You don’t have to face the appeal process alone.
