When you get hurt or are diagnosed with an illness that leaves you unable to work, your world doesn’t have to stop. If you have long term disability through your employer or a private company, you can ensure that you will have an income still coming in. It will not be the full amount of your salary but it will be a percentage on which you can live for a while. A long term disability claim is just that, a long term benefit that you claim and receive the help you deserve. It is necessary to purchase the disability insurance before you need it. Just as you purchase auto insurance and health insurance for the unexpected accident or illness, disability insurance will give you that peace of mind to have an income when you may not be able to work.
It can sometimes be difficult to claim your disability benefits. You must justify and be able to prove your claim and qualify for the help. You can file for a long term claim after you’ve proven that you’ve exhausted all the short term claim options. Short term benefits usually last for about 3-6 months while the long term benefits can last anywhere from 2-5 years or until you turn 65 years old. There are instances where your claim may be denied, even after you’ve provided the information as requested. If this happens, you need to be prepared to appeal the decision. When you qualify, have paid the premiums, and are unable to work, you should be able to get the help you need.
When you are forced to file a long term disability claim, you are either ill or injured. This is not a time in your life where you are feeling your best yet you need to try to keep your life moving forward. By filing the claim and following through with it, you are doing what you can to not let your accident or illness keep you down. By doing your best to live your life, you may be able to heal faster and get back to work faster than you think. Even if you cannot return to work for a while, you will still be able to take care of yourself and your family, which can help stave off depression and other troubles associated with the loss of purpose that being out of work can contribute.