Long-term disability benefits, unlike auto insurance or life insurance benefits, typically are paid out in installments over time. The length of the period during which you are eligible to receive benefits differs substantially from one policy to the next. Some policies cap LTD benefits at two, five, or ten years. Other policies allow you to draw LTD benefits until you reach retirement age or qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. These terms also are typically subject to a waiting period or elimination period before you begin receiving benefits. The length of an elimination period can vary, too, ranging from 30 days to six months or even a year in some cases.

Furthermore, the nature of your disabling medical condition may affect the length of the term in which you can receive benefits. For example, many LTD policies cap benefits for mental health conditions at a maximum of two years. If you begin receiving Social Security Disability benefits due to your disability and your policy has an offset provision, then your LTD benefits may decrease or stop altogether, depending on the amount of Social Security Disability benefits you receive.

Unfortunately, qualifying for these benefits does not automatically mean that you will receive those benefits for the maximum term available under your policy. For instance, if you recover from your disabling medical condition to the point that you can return to work, you no longer will qualify to receive LTD benefits.

In most cases, termination of your employment does not terminate your eligibility for LTD benefits. However, you may lose your employer-sponsored healthcare coverage, which can make it difficult to get medical treatment. Continuing your medical treatment, however, often is a requirement of maintaining eligibility for LTD benefits. As a result, you should attempt to procure another source of medical coverage so that you can ensure your continued eligibility for long-term disability benefits.

Bonnici Law Group has handled the claims of countless individuals who have encountered difficulties in procuring long-term disability benefits under their employers’ ERISA-governed insurance policies. We will protect your rights and advocate on your behalf throughout every stage of the claims process. Call our office at 858-261-5454 to set up an appointment to speak with us today.