The answer to this and most questions related to your disability benefits depend on the provisions, definitions, and proper interpretation of the terms of the LTD Policy. With many employer-sponsored disability policies, an employee becomes eligible for coverage on the Policy Effective Date or the day after you complete the Eligibility Waiting Period (“EWP”), if later.
Depending on the Policy, however, the EWP may or may not apply to an Employee in Active Service on the Policy Effective Date, who was covered under a prior Plan and satisfied the EWP, if any, of that Plan. In addition, most policies require an employee to be in Active Service (as defined by the Policy) with the Employer throughout the EWP to be eligible for coverage. Otherwise, the EWP will be extended by the number of days you are not in Active Service.
If you are not required to contribute to the cost (premiums) for LTD benefits, your coverage could begin on the date you become eligible. On the other hand, if you are required to contribute to the cost of your insurance, the effective date of your coverage will depend on when you submit a payroll deduction form to your Employer and the date you elect to begin coverage.
The effective date of your coverage could also depend on whether you need to provide evidence of insurability, though this requirement is more common with some individual disability insurance policies than with employer-sponsored LTD coverage.
Determining eligibility for LTD coverage and applying for benefits can be complicated and overwhelming. That is why we strongly recommend speaking with an experienced long-term disability attorney who can help you with:
- Submitting a disability insurance claim,
- Making sure the insurance company meets their deadlines;
- Appealing a long-term disability denial,
- Managing your ongoing claim;
- Negotiating a lump-sum settlement, or
- Filing a lawsuit against your disability insurance company.
Call for a free consultation with a disability attorney. No fees or costs until you get paid.
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