Long-term disability benefits replace a portion of your income if a medical condition makes you unable to work for some period. Typically, these benefits replace about 40 – 60% of your salary. Policies vary, but there often is a 90-day waiting period before you qualify for long-term disability benefits. Benefits may continue for a specific number of years, until your disability ends, or until you retire, depending on the terms of the policy.

Policies also may differ in their definitions of “disability.” Some policies may consider you disabled if your medical conditions make you unable to perform the essential functions of your job. Other policies may only provide you with coverage if you are unable to do any type of work due to your disability.

Long-term disability or LTD policies only may pay out benefits to you if you cannot work at all. However, some plans will pay out partial benefits if you still can work part-time.

Where you work also may determine what long-term disability coverage is available to you. If you are employed, your employer automatically may provide you with long-term disability coverage. You also may have the option to purchase coverage through your employer. If you are self-employed, however, or your employer does not offer coverage, you may be able to buy it through a professional association or directly from an insurance broker.

As you can see, LTD policies vary widely in their scope and the conditions under which you become eligible for benefits. Therefore, you may be wise to review your coverage and determine whether you have the optimum amount of coverage that you need, based on your situation. Those needs may vary if you are a single parent supporting minor children or the primary breadwinner for your family. Every case is different, and what may be an appropriate or adequate policy for one worker may be wholly insufficient for another.

If you need to apply for long-term disability benefits, you may greatly benefit from calling us today and getting the advice that you need. Bonnici Law Group has the experience and knowledge that is invaluable when applying and qualifying for long-term disability benefits. When you need answers, contact Bonnici Law Group today at 858-261-5454. As we focus our efforts on long-term disability claims, we know how to protect your rights and build a strong demand for compensation in your case.