Skilled Disability Lawyers; Helping You Understand LTD Benefits
Long Term Disability Claims Attorneys Serving Clients Across the U.S.
If you have been injured, or have become disabled and are unable to work, it may be difficult to pay your bills. Fortunately, many employers offer a variety of insurance programs that provide support to injured or disabled employees, including long term disability benefits programs. Under LTD programs, employees who carry coverage are entitled to financial assistance equal to a previously stated portion of their pay; in short, you will receive regular payments that can help you pay important expenses, including your rent or mortgage.
While LTD benefits programs are very helpful on the surface, obtaining benefits can be a much more difficult task than you may expect. Many claims are initially denied by the insurance carriers, leaving deserving individuals without the benefits they are entitled to. There is hope, however, even if your initial claim is denied. At the law firm of Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC, our long term disability attorneys have the knowledge and experience needed to help you pursue the benefits you are entitled to. We make every effort to help you understand the LTD benefits program, the claims process and the options you have if your claim has been denied.
The Basics of Long Term Disability
The first step in recovering long term disability benefits may be to understand the program and what it offers. Our firm offers detailed advice on the basics of LTD programs, including:
What is LTD? Many employers choose to offer their employees insurance programs that provide benefits if they suffer an injury or are unable to work. Unlike workers’ compensation programs, LTD provides benefits for individuals who are hurt outside of work. Under the plan, individuals who are unable to work for extended periods of time are offered a set percentage of their wages for a previously declared length of time.
Who pays for LTD? Employers may choose to fully fund your LTD program, or may choose to have a shared cost plan in which you pay some of the premiums. In some cases, LTD programs are fully funded by the employee themselves.
What are the terms associated with LTD? Coverage terms vary widely from one program to the next, but most cover 50 to 70 percent of the employee’s salary. Duration of the benefits payments can also vary, with some plans paying as long as 5-10 years or even until the employee reaches the average retirement age of 65. Most LTD plans require that the employee is prevented from working for 90 to 180 days before being eligible for benefits.
How does the claims process work? Many individuals seeking LTD benefits choose to file their initial claim without the assistance of an attorney. Unfortunately, even the best prepared claim may be initially denied by the insurance carrier. A denied claim is not the end of the road, however, as the individual seeking benefits has the right to appeal their denial within 90 days of receiving notice. At that point, the assistance of an attorney is invaluable, as the appeals process can be very complicated; an appeals process not properly handled may result in a loss of benefits.
Experienced LTD Claims Attorneys across the United States
If you have been injured or are prevented from working due to a physical or mental disability, it is important that you understand the LTD benefits you are entitled to. Our staff takes great care to offer the personalized and informative advice you need to understand your specific plan and the process of obtaining your benefits.
