Should I Apply for Disability Benefits?
When faced with a devastating illness or disability, it's natural to feel lost and unsure of what to do next. Our disability lawyers hear all the time how confusing an insurance claim can be. Unfortunately, some individuals believe that their condition is their own fault (even though it is not)and feel as though they need to apologize for the inconvenience they are causing others.
In some cases, this includes a reluctance to apply for long term disability from their insurance company and a determination to continue working despite the harm it could cause their health. This mindset can exacerbate the situation and lead to even more harm. If you're struggling to continue working, a disability lawyer will likely remind you that it's not only acceptable, but necessary, to take care of yourself and seek support when needed. Our natural urge to be productive and useful can sometimes do more harm than good when we're dealing with a serious illness, disability, or disability claim. Don't be afraid to ask for help from a disability law firm, it's the first step towards healing and regaining control of your life.
There are many reasons why you should consider applying for long term disability rather than reducing your working hours. Here are the most important reasons:
Your health comes first
If you're struggling to work due to a disability and you have group disability benefits through your employer, don't hesitate to apply for them. Your health and well-being should always be your top priority. Taking a break from work, whether it's short or long term, can be very beneficial for your health - from allowing you to heal an injury to giving you the freedom to seek proper medical care and reduce stress. This is especially critical for physically demanding jobs, as adding strain can worsen your condition and harm your overall health. Don't hesitate to prioritize your health and well-being. Your long term disability benefits are there to provide you with financial support until you can return to work.
If you go part time, your benefits could be reduced
Did you know that reducing your working hours can impact your eligibility for benefits? By working part-time instead of full-time, you may only qualify for a portion of the disability benefits you were once entitled to. This can be risky. If you are unable to continue with your reduced hours in the future, you will only be eligible for benefits based on your part-time status. This reduced entitlement may not be enough to cover your living expenses. Consider the potential implications before making a decision to reduce your hours.
If you go part time you may lose your benefits altogether
Before reducing your working hours due to disability or disabling symptoms, it's crucial to review your group disability insurance policy or privately purchased disability insurance policy. Certain group disability benefits plans may have restrictions and may exclude you if you fall below a certain number of weekly hours. This could eliminate your eligibility for any disability benefits in the future, even if you're unable to manage your reduced workload. Take heed and be mindful of the fine print.
Ultimately, you need to make the best decision for your health and overall wellbeing. Don't let fear hold you back from applying for disability benefits if you feel you can no longer work. Our disability lawyers understand this can be a complicated process and can be intimidating to navigate. We are here to help you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Want to learn more about how to stop working to apply for disability benefits before speaking with a disability lawyer? You can read more here on our Should I Stop Working? page.
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A note from a long term disability lawyer
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 by the insurance company, 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.
An experienced disability lawyer 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 over 35 years of success on your side.
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.
