The novel coronavirus has quickly spread across the globe, posing a threat to the health and wellbeing of everyone in its path. As a result, the current pandemic has many on edge right now. Understandably, tensions are running high as people grapple with concerns about the safety of their family, future and economic standing. Fortunately, moving through the disability insurance claim process is still possible for many individuals. However, securing these benefits during an ongoing pandemic may prove difficult. Our disability insurance lawyers are here to help you.
Filing a Disability Insurance Claim During the Pandemic
Disability insurance, generally speaking, is supposed to aid employees who are unable to work because they are sick or injured. This aid comes in the form of a partial income replacement for the period in which an employee is out of work.
If you have purchased disability insurance coverage through your employer, you more than likely have a group plan. This group plan is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). To secure your benefits through a group plan, you must be actively employed at the time of filing. Termination typically ends your group plan coverage. If you are terminated or furloughed, it could prevent you from qualifying or filing a claim.
Are you suffering from a disability? If you are interested in filing a disability insurance claim under a group plan, contact our firm. We are happy to be a resource during these uncertain times.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus outbreak has upended the normal flow of everyday life. One side effect of this involves an employer’s willingness to accommodate an employee’s needs. In a shaky economy, employers are more likely to lay employees off than wait for them to get sick and take time off work.
Following the same logic, insurers are likely to deny disability insurance claims at this time. The more coronavirus disability insurance claims that get denied, the more money insurance companies will save. This means that insurers are more likely engage in questionable practices in order to deny your claim. It also means that you may need to pursue your claim through the legal system in order to prove that your claim is valid. Our disability insurance attorneys can help you fight a denied claim and secure your benefits.
Fortunately, most standard disability insurance plans cover COVID-19. However, you should read your policy’s terms closely to determine whether this is the case for you.
If your plan does cover COVID-19, you may be able to apply for these benefits if you contract the virus. However, it is likely the case that the coronavirus will trigger short term benefits first. Short term disability insurance benefits will typically replace a part of your income from anywhere between 3 to 6 months. Longer periods of time will require an application for long term disability insurance benefits. Depending on the severity of your illness, and whether further complications arise, you may need to apply for these benefits as well.
It is also important to note that securing your disability insurance benefits will require following the terms of your plan closely. Part of this will involve proving that the coronavirus renders you unable to return to work. Taking it upon yourself to self-quarantine or practice social distancing does not constitute a medical justification for securing coronavirus disability insurance benefits. To be eligible for disability insurance for coronavirus, this justification should instead come from a doctor, either in the form of a COVID-19 diagnosis or an instruction to self-isolate.
Tucker Disability Law has helped many clients secure their benefits prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, and we plan on continuing this service during such a difficult time. If you are still employed and suffering from a disability, it is critical that you seek legal assistance today. Group disability insurance claims must be filed before a person is laid off or furloughed.
Additionally, if the coronavirus has left you ill and unable to work, our attorneys may be able to help you. Our law firm can provide counsel in all 50 states as our attorneys are licensed in Florida and many federal courts nationwide. Give us a call at (866) 282-5260 or submit an online form.
