A Guide to Filing a Disability Insurance Claim Step-by-Step

Making a claim on disability insurance can be very difficult. The process entails a number of steps, and in order to prevent delays, it is imperative that all required information be supplied. The insurance company may frequently ask for a financial and medical release in addition to filled-out claim forms in order to obtain further paperwork. The organization may need up to a week to consider all of the information and reach a conclusion.

1. Ascertain your illness.

Establishing your impairment is the first step towards receiving payments. Disability, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), is "a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities." Your condition must make it hard for you to perform the duties of your previous employment and to adjust to new ones in order for you to be eligible for disability benefits. SSA also takes into account how bad your ailment is. You could also be required to provide a physician's statement and other supporting documentation in addition to your medical records. Additionally, you should be ready to provide financial data, such as your direct deposit details and a canceled check. In certain situations, you might have to give your employer a statement outlining the responsibilities of your employment and how your condition affects them.

2. Examine your policy.

You could also require a release of information giving the insurance provider access to your personal and financial information, a bank account number for direct deposit, and an employer statement outlining your responsibilities in addition to the medical records. You can also be required to disclose the length of time you have worked and your salary, depending on your policy. You have to fulfill two requirements in order to be eligible for disability benefits: Your condition must be severe enough to meet the Social Security Administration's list of impairments, and you must have worked for a specific period of time. Compared to separate illnesses, combination conditions have far greater severity requirements. The knowledgeable lawyers at DarrasLaw can assist you in gathering the required paperwork and bolstering your case.

3. Compile medical documentation.

One of the main components of the disability assessment process is medical evidence. Evidence of your medical condition and the extent of your impairment(s) must be provided. The kind of medical proof you need to present will depend on your handicap. This could include objective testing, medical literature, and treatment notes from doctor visits and hospitals. Information from mental health specialists, alternative therapy providers, and physical therapists can also be submitted. But you should only utilize this kind of proof in conjunction with your physicians' notes. It is best not to adjust your medicine without first speaking with your physician. If you do this, your doctor could wonder if you are really following their directions or if your symptoms are being exaggerated. This can seriously undermine your argument. Additionally, stay away from sharing anything on social media that can be seen as disputing your application for disability benefits.

4. Fill out the claim form.

The processing of your disability insurance claim may be delayed if you provide false or partial information. To help you prevent typical mistakes, take additional care when filling out this paperwork and think about getting advice from an experienced disability attorney. A personal statement, a statement from your attending physician, an employer's statement, and banking information (including a voided check) are among the documents the insurance company requests in order to process your disability benefits directly into your bank account. These claims must be grounded in the particulars of your illness, outlining how it affects you and how it restricts your everyday activities. Don't exaggerate your symptoms or overstate your restrictions. The insurance provider could monitor you in order to assess your reliability and possibly refute your claim.

5. File Your Claim

When you have gathered the necessary documentation, it's time to file your claim. It could take a few weeks or a month, based on the circumstances and the policy. The insurer will require further information about your occupation, including your pay and job responsibilities, if your disability insurance policy provides own-occupation coverage. They also need to know if you've done anything that would make it more difficult for you to carry out your duties. To make sure you are actually incapacitated, the insurance company may arrange for exams and surveillance. Although it can be time-consuming and difficult, this is required for a valid claim. You should limit your social media use and refrain from posting images of yourself doing things that your condition prevents you from doing in order to avoid this.