9 Things Disabled Employees Should Know About Their Work Benefits 

Disability benefits are there to ensure that you meet your financial obligations when you are unable to receive regular wages or if you are unable to work. Some employers don't offer disability benefits, but if you are eligible for the benefit, a portion of their salary is deducted in the form of monthly premiums that goes to the insurance company. If you are uncertain whether your employer offers disability benefits, you should inquire from the human resource. Once you are injured in the line of duty, you are eligible for disability benefits, but these may vary depending on your place of duty. As you wait for the disability compensation to be processed, you should know the following things about your disability benefits.

1. The Application Process

Once you are injured while on the line of duty, you should report the injury to your employer, seek medical help then, later on, fill the disability application form. You can fill the disability form in person, or you can visit the online portal and fill the form. It would be best to gather evidence in the form of medical receipts, doctors appointments, and you can take photos of your injuries. Once you have gathered all relevant information, you can fill the disability form by yourself, or you can seek legal representation from an expert attorney. You should beware that you are seeking compensation from the insurance company and not your employer.

Insurance guys have tons of disability cases to handle, and as such, they might treat you like a file number. It's therefore essential that you find a law firm that devotes an entire legal team to handle your claims and one who updates you on the claim progress. Disability benefits will usually pay between 60 – 85 percent of your usual income, according to Jeffrey Preszler with Preszler Law. The insurance company reviews your application; they evaluate your work activities and determine whether you have worked enough years to qualify for a disability benefit. The process can be challenging; hence, you should consider hiring an attorney as you nurse your wounds. 

2. The Process Takes Time

As a disabled worker, you should know that there is a waiting period between when you are considered to be disabled by a doctor, and when you will be eligible for the disability benefits. Once the time has elapsed, you would be likely to claim your benefits, but until then, collect enough evidence and seek legal counsel. In some cases, you will have to wait up to 3 months to file the claim. 

3. Some Policies Require Reevaluation

The insurance company will probably offer you a compensation package, but you should know that some benefits are subject to reevaluations. Insurance agents will evaluate your health condition frequently to determine whether there has been any improvement. Reassessment is essential since it ensures that you receive all benefits until you are fully fit to work. 

4. Parties That are Eligible for Disability Benefits

To be eligible for disability benefits, you need to satisfy the work test, and you should have worked in a company covered by social security for a given time. Insurance companies have different age requirements, but most require that you should have worked for at least one and a half years. Besides, you should provide proof that you are disabled and that the condition could last a while. 

5. You Need Legal Help as You Pursue the Claim

Insurance policies have clauses that you might overlook; hence, it's always advisable to seek legal representation when filing a claim. The language used when filing a claim or an appeal might be difficult for you to interpret, and it would be a poor decision to risk your compensation by representing yourself. Never rely on the insurance adjuster or the human resource representative when making decisions on the disability package. Both are trained to resolve issues faster without considering your health condition. It would help if you found a legal representative who has experience dealing with disability cases, and one who has tactics to ensure that you receive the full compensation.

6. Family Members are Eligible for Benefits

You should also know that your family members are eligible for disability benefits. If you have a child who is under 18 years or a spouse, then you should know that they are likely to receive a share of the benefits. However, there is a maximum amount that your loved ones will receive. If the value exceeds the maximum value, the benefits will be deducted from the family, such that everyone gets a fair share. 

7. The Insurance Company is the Final Decision Maker

You might be misguided by your employer, and they might lie that the insurance company is under obligation to offer the benefits. Well, you should know that the insurance company has the power to deny or approve the disability benefits and not your employer. Most disability claims are often disapproved since employees tend to be arrogant.  However, you can appeal the decision once the insurance company makes a decision. Reversing the decision can be time consuming and stressful; hence, you should seek legal counsel in the process. 

8. What Compensation to Expect When You are Disabled 

Your monthly deductions will determine the disability benefits that you will receive. You should expect a figure that's slightly less than your monthly wages, but the value is calculated using a formula. You can determine the amount on your own by reviewing your gross deductions. 

9. You Should Follow the Doctors Directives

Insurance companies often use medical records along with their assessment before they decide to offer you the disability benefits. It's therefore essential that you follow the doctor's instructions to the letter, and the health records will be the true reflection of your medical condition. Insurance agents will often contact your health care provider to ascertain your medical condition. With the correct documentation, you stand a higher chance of receiving a generous benefits package. 

Dealing with disability claims can be a struggle since there are several requirements that you will have to meet before the insurance guys approve your application. It's always advisable to seek legal representation, and one should be aware of quick settlement offers tabled by the insurance agents.