Facing a disability that prevents or limits your ability to work can be challenging and stressful. In addition to adapting to life with a disability, you also need to make ends meet.
When you receive a denial on your long-term disability claim, it can threaten your ability to care for yourself and your loved ones. It is important to understand your rights regarding your disability benefits and when you can challenge a denial.
Here’s what you should know about moving forward after facing a disability benefits denial.
Getting an explanation
Filing your claim for long-term disability benefits through your employer can seem like a long string of paperwork and waiting. For many, the waiting is punctuated with a denial. When you receive a denial, it must include:
- A detailed explanation of why your claim was denied, including references to the plan provisions that were the basis of the denial
- The guidelines the plan administrator relied on when making the denial
- A description of the appeals process
It is critical to start the appeals process right away since there is often a limit for how long you have to make your appeal.
Denial is not the final answer
Sometimes, the criteria for accepting or denying a claim can seem vague. Often, there is considerable discretion with claim approval, and many will default to a denial.
Fortunately, there is an appeals process for dealing with a denied claim. When you receive your denial, there should be a description of the appeals process so you can get started making your appeal.
Dealing with a denied long-term disability claim is not something you want to do alone. An experienced professional can support you through the appeals process.