How to Successfully Claim for Long Term Disability Benefits in Ontario

Life can be unpredictable. Unexpected illnesses or accidents can render us with impairments that we did not previously have.

If you have had one of these things happen to you, you could be entitled to long-term disability benefits. These benefits are designed to help people whose disability, illness or injury keeps them from holding down a job.

Unfortunately, these claims are often rejected. This can be due to several things. Sometimes the claims are dismissed improperly, and sometimes the claims have not been filled in correctly. Often, insurers deny LTD benefits on the basis that there is insufficient medical evidence.

If you would like to learn more about the disability claim process and get some tips on successfully applying, keep reading this article.

What is Classed as a Long Term Disability?

First, let’s look at what is classed as a long-term disability. The term is relatively broad and can refer to many various conditions.

Let’s break it down into three categories and look at some examples of the different types of disabilities.

Physical disabilities

One common form of long-term disability is a physical disability. This is any physical condition that impairs your ability to perform the essential tasks of your employment or impairs your ability to carry out your everyday activities.

This could include:
● Spinal injuries
● Head Injuries
● Broken bones
● Heart conditions
● MS or ALS
● Lost limbs

This list is not exhaustive, as the definition is all about how much the condition impairs your regular activities.

Mental or psychological disabilities

Mental or psychological disabilities are conditions that affect your mood and emotions. These conditions can deprive you of your motivation or cognitive capacity and interfere with your life.

These conditions can include:
● Anxiety and depression
● PTSD
● Schizophrenia
● Bipolar Disorder
● Personality disorders.

These conditions can be less visible and are often neglected by Long Term Disability Insurance Companies when you’re filling out your claim.

Chronic conditions

The third category for long-term disability claims is chronic pain. Chronic pain entails conditions that cause significant pain and discomfort for an extended period of time. Chronic conditions can be anything that’s lasted been 3-6 months or longer.

Chronic pain can often be the result of past accidents, surgeries, or illnesses. Some examples of chronic conditions are:
● Dementia
● Arthritis
● Diabetes
● Pains from surgery
● Cancer

If you have been suffering from an ongoing problem for over six months now, it is very likely to be a chronic condition which you may be able to claim.

Long Term Disability Claims

If your condition falls within one of these criteria, the next step is to begin applying for disability.

When applying, you will need to submit a claim. The disability claim process can be incredibly confusing and challenging without the help of a lawyer with years of experience handling LTD claims. During the initial claims process, you will have to prove that you cannot do your job anymore, and you will have to provide evidence for disability claims. Later, the test will change (usually at the two-year mark) and you will have to prove that as a result of your disability, you cannot do any job anymore. This is a more stringent test and one that you can navigate with the help of a good Long Term Disability Lawyer.

The Application Process

Let’s look at a brief outline of the process.

Before you apply, you will have to meet with your family doctor to ensure they are supportive of your application. In addition, the LTD insurer might be eligible for certain deductions, such as Canada Pension Plan Disability (if you are eligible).

When you apply, you will be asked several questions about your condition. These can include:
● When did your symptoms start?
● How long have you been unable to work?
● Have you ever had this condition before?
● Is your condition related to work?
● Are you undergoing any treatment?
● Have you tried to return to work?
● When do you plan to return to work?

You need to make sure and fill out the forms in full and be truthful in every answer you give. Many insurance companies can refuse your claim if they think that you’re being dishonest with them.

Evidence

You need to provide evidence to back up your long-term disability claim. These can be reports from your doctor, a statement from your psychiatrist, or any other documentation you have to help prove to the insurance company that your claim evidences your inability to return to work.

The lawyer helping you out with your claim will be able to assess what you should present. Your lawyer may also be able to help you in ensuring that you are getting all of the care that you need and assembles all of your evidence in a way the insurance company will understand and accept.

Tips for Applying For Long Term Disability Benefits

Your lawyer can advise you on how best to fill out the claim. Knowing a few pointers can make the whole process go off smoother and increase your chances of successfully making a claim.

Get Your Forms in Order

The first thing to do is to make sure and get the correct forms. There is a lot of paperwork involved with claiming long-term disability benefits. You can source the forms for your insurance company through your workplace, or you can ask your insurer directly.

Read the Booklet and Policy

You will be provided with a benefits booklet. Be sure to read this thoroughly and understand what you could be entitled to and the criteria you need to meet.

The booklet is merely an overview of the disability claim process. The policy will provide much more detail about what you’re applying for. It can be confusing to read but take your time to read it and raise any questions with your lawyer.

Make it About Your Impairments

The insurance company is always looking to see how your condition has impaired you. Do not be vague about how you are affected.

Expand on the reasons you cannot work to specifically mention how your condition stops you from carrying out certain tasks. Make sure to list all these impairments in detail.

Find A Lawyer in Toronto To Help You Today

If you live in Toronto and are still feeling confused or have questions on the process of applying for long-term disability benefits, do not worry.

We have a team of experienced lawyers waiting to help you with your long-term disability claim. We can walk you through every step of the process and help you successfully claim the aid that you need. Contact us today to see how we can help you.