What You Need To Know About Disability Insurance Claims
If you have a disability insurance plan, you need to know what problems it will cover in the event you need coverage. Disability insurance is meant to help provide income in the event you are not able to work due to an injury or an illness. These policies can be very different, especially when it comes to the types of issues they will cover. The following are some things you need to understand about disability insurance policies in the event you need to use your benefits:
How Are Disabilities Defined?
Various disability insurance companies may define disabilities differently. Your issue could be classified as either a total disability or a partial disability. A partial disability is one that limits your ability to do your job. However, you may still have the ability to work at some level or capacity in your current position. Your employer may offer you a different role in your company to ensure you can work.
A total disability refers to a condition that renders you unable to work in any capacity. Read your policy carefully, as the terms of your plan may require that you work at any occupation if you can. Your policy may state that even though you have a total disability, you will still need to work in some way during your disability. Other plans may allow you to not work at all while you are disabled.
What Types of Disabilities Are Covered?
Most disabilities covered by disability insurance can be either physical or mental health related. The conditions are handled differently. Most policies place a time limit on mental health disabilities. There may also be some connection to a physical disability that can impact your insurance claim. For example, if you are suffering from depression, the claim may connect this condition with a physical injury you also have. This could cause you to have some disputes with your insurance provider, so keep this in mind.
Another important issue to think about is whether your disability is the result of an illness or an accident. The origin of your disability can determine how long you can remain on disability benefits.
If you are having trouble getting approval on your disability claim and you believe the determination is not fair, call your disability attorney to help you appeal the claim. These claims can be complex and involved, so an attorney can be a real asset as you go through the process.