Personal Injury Disability Benefits

Applying for disability benefits can help injured people continue to receive income if they temporarily cannot return to work.

Disability is a major concern facing workers during their lives, which is too often underestimated. According to the Social Security Administration, one quarter of workers will become disabled before reaching age 67. Should loss and suffering occur due to these circumstances, disability coverage can offer protection to workers and their families.

Filing for Long-Term Disability Benefits

If you’ve opted into an employer’s disability insurance, it’s important to review your benefits plan to better understand what’s included and if you meet all requirements before filing a claim. Important factors include deadlines and time limits, the definition of a disability, and exclusions. Once you’re ready to submit a claim, follow the guidelines explained in the benefits plan, which includes where to file, what documents to file, and who to contact if you have any questions about your plan. It’s important to support your claim with as much medical evidence as possible, so it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to write up a detailed report about your medical history and issues. Once your claim has been received by the insurer, a decision must be made within 45 days. If more information is needed, you will have 45 additional days to supply it. Should you have to provide more information, the insurer has an additional 30 days to decide from the day the new information was received.

Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits

If you become disabled before retirement age, you may qualify for benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. To apply for SSDI benefits, you must complete an application online or in person. The application will ask you your “onset date of disability,” which is the date you became unable to work. If this disability resulted from a previous medical condition that worsened over time, you’ll want to look back to the date when the illness began to impair your ability to work. You’ll also be asked to describe details of the disability. Make sure to include all ailments that limit your ability to work, including mental conditions. Keep it detailed and thorough when explaining how these conditions prevent you from working – don’t just list your diagnosis. After your application is sent, the state’s Disability Determination Service office will make a decision based on your medical condition and medical records.