Social Security disability (SSD) can affect your long-term disability in many different ways. Individuals who are receiving long-term disability (LTD) may not fully understand how the process works, as well as the factors that can affect it. While each LTD case is unique, there are some important facts you should know.
What is Long-Term Disability?
LTD benefits are monthly payments that you would receive through your employer (or in some cases a private company) should you become sick or injured and cannot work. This income gives a much-needed financial cushion to those who may not be able to work for an extended period. Most long-term disability claims are governed by ERISA law (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). ERISA law is complicated and, unfortunately, the law gives more advantages to insurance companies than disabled individuals. Having an experienced attorney on your side who knows the intricacies of ERISA law can help increase your chances of a favorable decision with your LTD claim.
How Does Receiving SSD Affect my LTD Benefits?
Receiving SSD could have a significant impact on LTD benefits — in most cases, SSD benefits will be offset. For example, if you are receiving a monthly LTD benefit of $2,500 per month, and $750 from SSD, your LTD insurer will reduce your benefit amount by $750. There is also a chance that LTD may take some of your back benefits. SSD may also provide partial benefits (also known as auxiliary benefits) to an individual’s spouse and children who are dependents.
How a Long-Term Disability Attorney Can Help
The LTD claims process can be extremely complicated and when combined with the red tape of SSD, it can make it even more daunting to navigate the system without experience. A long-term disability attorney understands the process and knows how insurance companies go through each claim with a fine-toothed comb to find even the most minuscule detail to deny a claim.
Filing a long-term disability claim on your own could be both complicated and stressful. Let our disability attorneys allow us to evaluate your case and guide you through the process so you can focus on what’s most important — your health. Contact Dabdoub Law Firm at (800) 969-0488 today to learn more about how we can assist you.