Can I Apply For Long Term Disability If My Short Term Disability Was Denied?

Yes. Many claimants are surprised to find that even if their short-term disability (STD) claim has been denied, they are still permitted to make an application for long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
STD benefits provide income replacement coverage during an extended time away from work due to injury or illness. Usually this insurance is provided to the employee by their employer and the employer's insurance carrier, and the employee may pay monthly premiums for this coverage. Insurance companies offer STD for different lengths of time, typically a period of up to 6 months.
Long-term disability (LTD) benefits provide coverage for a longer period, typically up to two years if the claimant is unable to work in their own occupation, or up to an indefinite period of time up to age 65 if the claimant is unable to work in any gainful occupation for which they have the required skills, education or training.
Some people have different insurance providers for their STD and LTD benefits, so the LTD carrier may make a decision in the claimant's favour even if the STD carrier did not. If, on the other hand, the insurance carrier is the same for both STD and LTD benefits, the insurer's decision will likely be the same unless the claimant has significant new medical evidence to include in the LTD application. This should not, however, prevent a disabled individual from applying for long-term benefits. Submitting a claim is the first step towards getting the benefits they are entitled to, and Share Lawyers can help fight a possible denial on the claimant's behalf.
Claimants should submit their LTD claim a few weeks before the end of their STD period if they are still unable to work due to their disability.