Making a Claim for Disability Benefits
If you become disabled for any reason, including illness, disease, or accident, check your personal insurance policies to see if they provide any form of disability coverage. Disability coverage may exist in some cancer benefit policies and life insurance policies. Read them carefully. Apart from your own policies, many employers offer disability coverage for their employees. Be sure to read your employee benefits brochure or pamphlet (known as the "Summary Plan Description") and ask the appropriate officials at work about disability coverage. Disability benefits provided through work are usually governed by the federal ERISA statute.
If you have any form of private disability coverage, either on your own or through work, it is very important to review and abide by the terms set forth in the policies. Many policies set time limits for submitting a notice of claim, providing proof of loss, appealing adverse decisions, and other things. Do not ignore the instructions. Disability claims are sometimes denied simply because claimants fail to follow directions.
The general procedure for making a disability claim is to submit notice of your disability and then various forms, along with other information such as medical and payroll records. The policy usually specifies the required information. It is critical to stay on top of your disability claim and to provide information documenting your disability.
Communicate with your treating physicians to make sure that they have sent the required medical documentation of your disability, including standard forms from the insurance carrier. Try to make all medical appointments and follow doctors' orders. Many disability policies require regular and appropriate medical care for your condition.