Disability Benefits in Vancouver - How to Apply
If you have a disabling condition and can no longer work, you may have considered going on short or long term disability leave. You may have access to these benefits either through your employer or through a privately-purchased policy of your own. Though applying for disability benefits, and being approved by the insurance company, is not easy, it is incredibly worthwhile to your physical and mental health to take the time away from work that you need in order to rest and recover.
Submitting your application is the first step. You must submit a thorough and complete application. It is worth the time and effort to do this very carefully. You want to stack the odds in your favour. If your claim does not succeed, this post will prepare you for what is next.
Start with the Right Mindset
Because we have worked with so many people who faced the challenges you now face, we can share an observation about the best possible attitude to adopt.
“Expect the best, but be prepared for the worst.”
Typical outcomes newly disabled people encounter when applying for disability benefits:
- Accepted right away
- Accepted after some administrative delays
- Accepted for short term disability but denied for long term disability
- Accepted for short term and long term disability and then cut off for a variety of reasons including change of definition, insufficient medical information, failure to be under medical care, etc.
- Turned down for short or long term disability and then a long and frustrating battle with the insurer, ultimately unsuccessful
- Turned down, hired a lawyer, insurance company would not budge
- Turned down, hired an experienced disability lawyer, fought a successful battle with appropriate benefits finally secured
Your Claim May Be Accepted Right Away
Again, your claim may be accepted right away. We suggest you approach with that assumption and do all you can to facilitate the insurance company coming to the right decision. But always keep in mind that the insurance company may treat you the way they have treated many thousands of other qualified Canadian policy holders.
The best case scenario is that you will get a quick approval. The worst scenario is that you will be turned down and will not succeed in forcing the insurer to play fair. Even if you are turned down, with the right legal help, the insurance companies will be forced to finally reach a fair settlement of your claim.
So, again, hope for the best, but be prepared for what may come. And, again, take care of yourself, get all the help you need and preserve your strength for healing.
Being Disabled Can Be Stressful and Emotionally Draining
Coping with the decision to stop working along with your physical or mental disability is an emotional roller coaster. Counsellors who work with people suffering from depression triggered by a disability diagnosis suggest keeping a journal. Closely observing your thoughts
and feelings will help you maintain the emotional balance you need to ride out this storm in your life.
Looking for the silver lining in all things promotes a positive outlook – and you will need it when you begin this journey. And because you face so much uncertainty, having the support of trusted friends and loved ones can be invaluable.
If you'd like even more information about applying for long term disability benefits, please visit this page on our website and download our Applying for Long Term Disability Guide at the bottom of the page.
Still have questions? Contact the Vancouver long term disability insurance lawyers at Share Lawyers. Our 35+ years of experience in long term disability (LTD) law 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.
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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A note from our long term disability lawyers
Taking a medical leave from work is not an easy decision to make. Concerns about providing for yourself and your family and keeping your job may cause you to want to push through your pain, but this won’t make your problems go away. Stopping work is often the smartest decision for your long term health and well-being, and your disability benefits are there to provide you with financial support until you can return to work.
If you have made the tough decision to stop working and apply for your short term disability or long term disability benefits, you may feel overwhelmed by the process and have questions that your employer and your insurance company are not able or willing to answer. Share is There to see you through and answer your questions.
Our Disability law firm knows what you have been going through
We understand that things have not been easy for you over the last little while. Your health has been suffering, you are unable to work, and now your insurance company, who was supposed to be there in your time of need, has decided they will not pay your disability benefits or respect your disability claim. These benefits exist to provide you with the financial support you need so that you can focus on your health and rebuilding your life. It is unfortunate that your insurance company has not lived up to its promise. If your disability claim has been denied, we will fight to get you the benefits you are entitled to. Our disability lawyers have helped thousands of Canadians get their long term disability benefits over the past 35 years, and we can help you too.
Our experienced disability lawyers can fight back on your behalf
Share Lawyers believes that every client who is dealing with a disability claim deserves superior personal service. To achieve that goal, we have developed our team of experienced, compassionate, and caring long term disability lawyers, law clerks, and administrative staff to meet all of your needs. Our team of experienced long term disability, life insurance, employment, and critical illness insurance lawyers have made successful claims against many insurance companies, third-party administrators and employers.
If you are unable to work, your disability benefits should be there to provide you with the financial support you need. While your insurance company may be focused on finding ways to avoid paying your claim, our focus is on what is in your best interest. When Share Lawyers gets involved, you have an entire team of lawyers that are there to support you and to fight for what is yours.
Our disability claim lawyers fight for your disability insurance claim by relying on our many years of experience to apply the best strategic planning and approach in each case, using the latest technology available. Experience matters, and with Share Lawyers, you are in the best hands with 35 years of success on your side.
In this video, we explain the role of a long term disability lawyer and how we can support you when you have been denied your long term disability benefits.
