Long term disability insurance replaces part of your income if a serious injury, illness, or medical condition prevents you from working. Coverage can come through your employer or a private policy, but qualifying for benefits is often more complicated than people expect.
Do I Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits?
You may qualify if:
Your condition prevents you from working in your own job or any job, depending on your policy
You are covered through an employer plan or a private disability policy
Medical records from your doctors clearly support that you cannot work
Applying for long term disability benefits depends on your policy language and strong medical evidence. Even small mistakes or missing records can lead to a denial.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Long term disability insurance companies look for reasons to deny claims. Even small mistakes in your application can cost you benefits. A lawyer can:
Explain what your policy requires
Help gather strong medical evidence
Handle appeals if your claim is denied
Let’s Get Started
Request a Free, Confidential, No-obligation Consultation
Long Term Disability vs. Workers’ Compensation: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse long term disability benefits with workers’ compensation. Here’s how they compare:
Feature
LTD Insurance
Workers’ Compensation
Covers
Disabilities from any injury, illness or medical condition
Work-related injuries and illnesses only
Who Pays?
Private insurance policy (through employer or individual policy)
Employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company
Proof Required
Medical evidence proving you cannot work
Evidence the injury happened at work and that you cannot work
Time Limits
Benefits can last for years or until retirement age (depending on policy)
Temporary, partial or permanent benefits, depending on injury
Legal Recourse
You can appeal a denial and, if needed, file a lawsuit in federal court
You file a workers’ comp claim, appeal a denial and request a hearing
Under some long term disability policies, if your injury happened at work and you are covered by a long term disability insurance policy, you may be entitled to both.
Long Term Disability vs. Short Term Disability: What’s the Difference?
Short term disability insurance covers only temporary conditions and has a much shorter benefit period than Long Term Disability. It will usually cover the waiting period for long term disability, which is usually 3 – 6 months.
Feature
Long Term Disability
Short Term Disability
Covers
Long term or permanent disabilities
Temporary or short term medical conditions
Waiting Period
Often 3 – 6 months before benefits start
Often 0 – 14 days after injury/illness
Benefit Length
Years or until retirement, depending on policy
Weeks to months (usually up to 6 months)
Who Pays?
Employer-provided or private policy
Employer-provided or private policy
What If My Short Term or Long Term Disability Claim Is Denied?
Denials happen often—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Common reasons for denial include:
Insufficient medical evidence – More documentation may be needed.
Claim errors or missed deadlines – Small mistakes can lead to denials.
Policy exclusions – Some conditions may be excluded from coverage.
If your claim is denied, don’t wait. You typically have a limited time to appeal. Give us a call at 202-393-3320.
Can I Get Long Term Disability and Workers’ Comp Benefits at the Same Time?
Sometimes. Workers’ comp covers work injuries, and some long term disability policies may also apply. Long term disability benefits are often reduced if you are receiving workers’ comp, so both benefits should be reviewed together.
How Long Do Long Term Disability Benefits Last?
It depends on your policy. Some last until retirement, usually to age 65; others stop after a certain number of years depending on when your disability started, especially if you became disabled close to or after age 65.
Don’t Wait—Contact Us Today to Get the Benefits You Deserve
Many people come to us after a denial, but it’s always better to get legal help before filing to avoid mistakes. If you’re unsure, contact us for a consultation to discuss your options.
We’ve been helping people in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with serious injuries for over 30 years.
You’re here because of a serious injury or medical condition. Now you’re dealing with an insurance company. You want your life back. We get that. We help guide you through this process so you can stand up to the insurance company and get back your financial security, control and independence.
I owe the people of Donahoe Kearney a kidney. They’re the best and only law firm you should go to for anything related to workers’ compensation law.
As someone who has never navigated the legal system before, I was initially very nervous and apprehensive about the process. Despite it all, Paul remained incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and patient. I couldn’t have asked for a better paralegal for my case.
They recovered several months of back pay and ensured that the medical treatment for my work injury would be covered. I can’t thank them enough for the peace of mind they’ve provided me, and I wish I could give more than five stars.
