Long-Term Disability After COVID-19

Anyone with a question of whether they may qualify to receive long-term disability compensation is to read over the existing disability insurance policy to which they may be eligible. It is important to what, if any, the coverage that is available to you. All policies provide a definition of what it defines as “disability” and determination can be better made to define eligibility. It is also important to consider what, if any, exclusions may apply. Whether disability benefits can be received due to current health conditions will depend on the terms of any policy that is available.

Any policy that will allow a disability claim will require that evidence be provided to document and “prove” the disability claimed. This is often where the advice and guidance of a trained professional can be of great assistance. Proof of a disability is most often provided by those medical professionals most familiar with the underlying medical condition and whether any health condition creates a greater risk if exposed to COVID-19 or if recovery is unlikely if exposed to the COVID-19 virus. There is no definitive level of risk required; however, the risk must be sufficiently high for it to be considered disabling. Again, this is often where a trained professional’s advice and guidance can be of great assistance.  

Long-term disability benefits for those originating from a COVID-19 diagnosis can be a little more challenging to establish. Suppose you do not fully recover from this virus by the time the waiting period for long-term health benefits ends. In that case, you may still be able to apply if you are currently suffering from complications associated with COVID-19. Ultimately, a proof will need to be developed from the medical record and other sources to prove that a chronic illness was developed that prevents a return to work for at least twelve months.

Long-Term Disability Coverage 

When you apply for long-term disability coverage, you will sign an agreement to repay what they give you if you’re approved. In other words, you are required to follow through with the appeal. Once you sign the agreement, you will receive a check even if you haven’t been approved yet. Once you’ve been approved, you’ll receive a long-term disability check and a social security check. If you don’t sign the agreement, you will only receive a small portion of the long-term disability check each month. Another question people worry about when applying for a long-term disability is: how much will I pay for attorney fees? The good news is that long-term disability will absorb the attorney costs, so individuals don’t have to pay the attorney fee. 

If the policy grants coverage, the insured party will still be required to file an SSA (social security administration) disability application. If granted, it will reduce the amount paid by the long-term disability policy. However, if the policy does not award coverage, the insured will surely want to file an application for SSA disability. This is extremely important because if an individual believes they are disabled, they should file an SSA disability application, regardless of insurance coverage – Disability Professionals can help with that. 

Some people believe that a major problem with social security is the struggle to follow through. In some states, you don’t even get medical coverage until you get social security. The Midland group will make sure that you are applying for everything that you are eligible for. The Midland Group Disability Professionals can advise if the individual is likely eligible for SSI (supplemental security income) or SSDI (social security disability income). In many cases, the professionals at Disability Professional can file an application for you and process an appeal if the application is initially denied.

Now What?

A disability can be extremely overwhelming both emotionally and financially. You’ll often find that navigating the Social Security system is easier and often more successful with an experienced advocate dedicated to representing an individual in their claim. When you choose Disability Professionals, our advocates are focused on one thing: getting you the benefits you deserve and in a timely manner.

The process of applying for and receiving benefits can take three months and sometimes up to two years to get disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, depending on the fact of any application for benefits. The factors to be considered include the nature of the disability, whether or not an appeal is warranted, and the number of cases already filed in your state and region. Having an experienced advocate on your side, representing you to help avoid unnecessary delays or appeals can make a significant difference in the speed at a valid claim is processed. Contact us today and let us help you navigate through this difficult process so you can get the benefits you deserve and as quickly as possible.

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Contacting Disability Professionals for Help

When you call Disability Professionals for help, we will need to get some basic information from you in order to know how best to serve you.  The information we will need includes: 

• Contact
• Household Income and Resources
• Education-including any specialty training or skills
• Work- descriptions of jobs you have had in the last 15 years and length of employment 
• Medical- names of medical providers, hospitals and medications 
• Symptoms- how does your disability affect you?  What are your limits? 

Reviewing Your Case 

Once you have contacted Disability Professionals and provided all of the necessary information.  One of our staff will contact you within 1-2 business days. They may have additional questions or they will advise you appropriately. 

The programs through Social Security are not always the best program for people who contact us.  If there is another program or service that would better serve you, we will advise you on how to access those programs or services.  We may also recommend that you take certain actions in order to be successful on an application for Social Security benefits.  

Disability Professionals accepted my case. Now what? 

We assist individuals at any level of the Social Security disability process.  We help people apply for benefits and assist them through the entire claim. This includes: 

• Complete applications for all available programs.
• Assist with completing necessary forms required by Social Security and making sure forms are done right. 
• Work with doctors and medical providers to supply useful information to the Social Security Administration to help them decide your claim.  
• Assist with necessary appeals

What are the fees for these services? 

Disability Professionals will only charge a fee if we are successful on your claim, and with a maximum limit. If you are approved for benefits, it is likely that you will receive past-due benefits from the Social Security Administration, in which SSA withholds 25% of the past-due benefit amount. Keep in mind that the fee for any Disability Professionals services is paid by Social Security Administration out of this back award, not from your pocket. In addition, the process of fee distribution is regulated by Federal law.  If you do not receive past-due benefits, Disability Professionals will not charge you a fee for their services.

How long does it take to get disability benefits? 

It can take 3 months up to 2 years to get disability benefits through Social Security depending on your case.  The factors involved include the nature of your disability, whether or not you need to appeal and the number of cases in your state and region.  This is one of the reasons it is important to have an experienced representing you to help avoid unnecessary delays or appeals. Contact us today and let us help you navigate this process so you can get the benefits you deserve.

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