Unlike Social Security Disability, which is a federal program, long-term disability (and short-term) policies are usually purchased privately through your employer or an insurance agent. This is why rules surrounding long-term disability policies can vary greatly amongst themselves, and also when compared to SSD.
If you find yourself unable to work due to a disability, it can be helpful to understand the difference between long-term disability and Social Security Disability. An experienced Toledo Social Security Disability attorney at Schaffer & Associates can help you decide the best route to take and advise you on whether or not you can receive both benefits.
Long-Term Disability and Social Security Disability
In most cases, a long-term disability application will be approved more quickly and with more ease than a Social Security Disability application. Many applicants will opt to begin collecting LTD benefits while they’re waiting for a decision on their SSD application. An initial application for SSD typically takes 6 months to process and even then, has over a 60% chance of denial. Many Americans can’t afford to go that long without a source of income, which is why utilizing a long-term disability benefits package can be extremely valuable if you have that option.
LTD benefit policies commonly require applicants to also file for SSD in order to receive LTD benefits. Your long-term disability company may offer you an advocate or representative to help you file for SSD. It’s important to keep in mind that these persons are not always attorneys. If you are approved for Social Security Disability, what happens to your long-term disability payments will differ by policy. Some LTD benefits will stop at this point, some will continue, and some will reduce. For example, if you were receiving $2000 of LTD benefits monthly, and are subsequently approved for $1500 in SSD benefits monthly, your LTD policy may allow you to continue to receive $500 monthly to offset the difference. On the reverse, your SSD benefit amount will not be affected by any long-term disability payments you receive.
It is important to know that being approved for long-term disability does not mean you will automatically be approved for SSD. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has its own strict criteria for being considered disabled.
Continuation of Long-Term Disability and Social Security Disability
Both long-term disability policy providers and the SSA will require proof of continued medical care and paperwork submissions that document your conditions and limitations. Submission of required medical proof is critical.
If you are receiving or attempting to receive long-term disability and Social Security Disability, it’s important to ensure any medical documentation submitted is consistent. Both parties can and do request documents from one another. Long-term disability insurance companies are known to cease benefits based on a denial from the SSA, if you do not appeal the denial from SSA. The length of time an LTD policy can run and how much money can be received will vary from policy to policy.
Speak With A Schaffer & Associates Attorney Today
If you are out of work due to a disability, you are not alone. An experienced Schaffer & Associates attorney can help you file for Social Security Disability, or appeal your denial. If you have questions about when the right time to apply for Social Security Disability is, especially if you are already receiving long-term disability, we would be happy to speak with you at a free consultation. Call (419) 350-8277 or send us a message today.