How Long Does Long Term Disability Last?

Long term disability benefits should last until you're 65 depending on the policy, but that's an overly simplified, optimistic answer to "How long do disability benefits last?" While disability benefits should be available to everyone with insurance coverage who cannot work and last until age 65, only some enjoy them uninterrupted. The definition of disability often changes at the 2-year mark (24 months), causing many people to lose their disability benefits well before their 65th birthday.

How long do long term disability benefits last & who is eligible for them?

Your long term disability benefits can last anywhere from a few years to decades, depending on the particular insurance company and disability policy in place.

Long term disability benefits typically last until you reach 65, or you can return to work. However, you must continue to meet the qualification criteria. If the insurance company determines you don’t, it could drastically shorten how long your disability benefits last.

People generally qualify for disability claims if they have a chronic illness or physical or mental disability that prevents them from working or performing certain activities necessary for their regular job duties. To qualify for a disability claim, a doctor or specialist must provide medical evidence to confirm that you cannot continue working due to your medical condition.

Over the last 35 years of specializing in disability law, our disability lawyers also recognize that many people applying for disability claims are struggling with disabling symptoms but have not yet received a medical diagnosis. Even without a diagnosis, those struggling with disabling symptoms should still qualify for employee disability benefits if they can provide enough detailed information regarding their symptoms and how those symptoms are affecting their ability to work.

Can disability benefits be revoked after they're approved?

Unfortunately, disability benefits can be taken away from those who are approved without much warning. This occurs often, especially if the insurance company doubts the legitimacy of the disability claim or if they feel that an individual’s condition is no longer severe enough to warrant coverage. In some cases, insurance companies may even conduct surveillance on claimants to monitor their activities and ensure they aren't engaging in activities that would suggest they are not as sick as initially indicated. Insurance companies often contact doctors or request additional medical evidence for further information regarding a claimant's condition. All these potential roadblocks can be a source of immense frustration and stress for people already dealing with physical and/or mental illnesses.

Many long term disability policies will eventually reach a point called the “Change of Definition,” at which insurance companies no longer look to see if you can return to your regular job. Instead, they focus on whether a claimant can perform any other occupation for pay, even one that pays minimum wage. When this happens it could affect how long disability benefits last. It may become difficult to convince an insurance company to continue paying benefits unless there is supportive medical evidence. If you have been denied of cut off your benefits you should talk to a disability law firm to find out what your options are. Don't assume that you cannot fight the insurance company's decision to stop paying you.

How to secure ongoing long term disability claim payments

If you've been approved for disability benefits payments, it is crucial to understand that they are not guaranteed indefinitely. How long disability benefits last depends on you remaining compliant with the instructions of your disability insurance company. This includes submitting any necessary medical documents or participating in mandatory medical examinations such as Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs). Our disability lawyers also recommend that you take and keep detailed notes about your health that you can refer to if the insurance company questions you.

In this video, Lawyer Samantha Share discusses the importance of keeping medical records.

If at any point your disability claim is revoked, the best thing to do is to seek professional advice from an experienced disability lawyer. The disability lawyers at Share Lawyers have seen it all - our law firm offers a free consultation to explore all of your options at any point in the disability claim process, and there are no fees unless we win your case.

When should you contact a disability lawyer for support against the insurance company?

If you or a loved one is dealing with disability benefits, it is in your best interests to contact a long term disability lawyer. Consulting an experienced disability law firm will ensure that your rights are upheld at every stage of the process, can give you access to resources you need, and can challenge the insurance company's decision regarding your disability case if you've been wrongly denied.

Whether you are considering applying for a disability claim, have already applied but haven't yet received an answer, have been wrongly denied your disability benefits, or have been taken off your claim, the Share Lawyers disability lawyers are here to help. There are no fees unless you win your case, and it's always free to talk to us. A free consultation with our team will give you a comprehensive understanding of the particular circumstances of your disability benefits case and all available options available to you. The earlier you take advantage of this assistance, the better chance you’ll have of succeeding with your claim. It's never too soon to get in touch.

How long your long term disability benefits last depends on your understanding of the eligibility requirements, length of coverage, and any common challenges that may arise while receiving these benefits. With this knowledge, people can confidently pursue their LTD options so they can focus on recovering without worrying about how they’ll pay bills during this difficult time. If you have any questions regarding long term disability insurance, don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to fight back on your behalf and get you the compensation you are owed.

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Denied your disability claim?

Contact a disability lawyer at 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 a free consultation 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.