What is “long-term disability” insurance?
Long-term disability insurance is a type of financial safety net that helps individuals with disabilities maintain their quality of life. This type of disability insurance is intended to offset daily living expenses through long-term financial support.
According to data from the Government of Canada, long-term disability (LTD) benefits typically start when these types of benefits stop:
- Short-term disability insurance
- Sick leave benefits from employers
- EI benefits
Long-term disability benefits can be vital to helping you live with the dignity that you deserve. It’s important to hire an experienced lawyer to find out what you’re entitled to and make sure your claim is properly filed and paid.
Who can qualify for long-term disability?
Technically, anyone who is “disabled” may qualify for long-term disability insurance benefits. However, because every insurance plan is different, the definition of “disabled” can vary between insurance companies.
In the event that you need to file a long-term disability claim in Halifax or elsewhere in Nova Scotia, it’s critical that you check with your insurance agent or administrator to make sure you understand your provider’s specific definition of “disabled.” An experienced LTD lawyer at Valent Legal can help you deal with the insurance company so you can focus on your life.
What is the LTD appeal process like? What if my LTD claim is denied?
Because the LTD appeals process can be long and drawn-out, it is strongly recommended that you file your application between four and six weeks before your benefits are needed. This means that you will most likely need to begin filing for LTD benefits while you are still receiving short-term disability benefits.
Do not give up hope if your claim for LTD benefits is initially denied or the benefits are less than you deserve. With the help of an experienced Nova Scotia disability benefits lawyer, at Valent Legal, you can appeal the initial decision and seek the benefits you are entitled to. Be aware that you need to take prompt action. You may have as little as 30 days to file an appeal.
Why do I need an LTD lawyer?
If you can no longer work because of an illness or injury, it’s important to understand what your insurance company will – and will not – cover. Unfortunately, many people don’t receive the benefits they are entitled to simply because they don’t understand the process.
Our compassionate legal team has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and 5-star rating among previous clients. You can rest assured knowing that we will do everything in our power to get you the benefits you are entitled to. To schedule a free consultation, call us or contact us online today.
How much will I receive from long-term disability insurance benefits?
The majority of long-term disability insurance plans can replace up to 70% of your normal income.
According to a report from the Health Association of Nova Scotia, LTD benefits typically cover you until:
- Your employment terminates
- You are laid-off
- You retire
- You reach age 65 (less the 150 consecutive day elimination period)
- You reach age 60 or greater and have 30 years of pensionable service in Nova Scotia Health Employees’ Pension Plan
- You die
What is the difference between individual disability insurance and group disability insurance?
To help employees obtain coverage in the event of disability, employers purchase individual and/or group disability insurance plans. These insurance plans have several key differences:
- A group disability insurance plan is the standard coverage strategy for the majority of employers.
- Individual disability insurance plans can be purchased by employers as supplemental coverage, or as the primary insurance plan if group coverage is unavailable.
- Group disability insurance plans typically have lower premiums, however, they also tend to have more limited benefits.
- While individual disability insurance plans usually have higher premiums, they tend to provide better benefits to disabled employees.
