• 05
  • December
    2011

Imagine a situation where you've become unexpectedly ill or injured and you're no longer able to work. Thankfully, you'll be able to rely on your employer-sponsored disability insurance, right?

Unfortunately, the answer might not be so simple. It can be much harder to recover benefits under a group disability policy than you might think.

Many Policies Require Social Security Disability Benefits First

Group disability insurance policies are designed to replace a percentage of your lost income - usually around 60 percent. What you might not realize is that many disability policies require you to obtain Social Security disability benefits first. Your insurance then backfills only the portion of the 60 percent of lost income not covered by SSD.

However, Social Security disability benefits aren't always a sure bet. According to the Social Security Administration, approximately 75 percent of applicants are turned down their first time through the process. Half of those people do eventually get benefits after going through the appeals process, but that can take years.

Many times, applicants are turned down because they don't understand the process and therefore don't properly document their disabilities. You can increase your chances of being awarded SSD benefits by enlisting the help of an experienced Charlotte Social Security disability lawyer.

Ways to Make the Process Move More Smoothly

Even if you do end up getting SSD, the process for obtaining group disability benefits can still be daunting. Often, the insurance companies require extensive documentation, and you may need to visit several doctors to prove your claim.

There are steps you can take to help the process go more smoothly. Submit copies of all your relevant medical records, including testing and prescription drugs, to your insurance company. Make sure you include a report from your doctor outlining your inability to work. Keep the originals on file, as you may need to re-submit the paperwork several times.

It may also be helpful to consult with a vocational expert who can provide a good picture of your working abilities - your insurance company will surely have one on their side.

If you are denied, don't despair. Invoke your right to appeal, and contact a lawyer who can help you with your claim. Ultimately, over 75 percent of disability claims are approved. Unfortunately, many deserving claimants have to get those benefits the hard way.

Source: New York Daily News, "Getting Disability Insurance Can Be Painful," Jean Chatzky, Nov. 1, 2011.