"Illnesses, hover constantly above us, their seed blown by the winds, but they do not set in the terrain unless the terrain is ready to receive them."---Claude Bernard. Posts: 131 | From US | Registered: Dec 2006
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stymielymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10044
posted
you will most likely determine that you need an attorney. long term disability if private, should have nothing to do with ssdis.
apply for ssdis is not hard but requires tons of documentation. if you only have to apply, apply. you'll probably get rejected the first time anyway. just give them a copy of the application.
do not expect to get money in the near or far future. if lucky you may see money in 3-4 years. so plan accordingly.
betty has a link for all these insurances and problems
docdave
Posts: 1820 | From Boone and Southport, NC | Registered: Sep 2006
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ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
First off, this is very common. Most LTD policies require that the claimant apply for SSD. Most policies offset their benefits by the amount of any SSA benefits you are receiving. In addition, they are frequently entitled to this offset way back to the onset of the claim, so any SSA backpay you receive would be reimbursed to them.
First thing you do need to do is send them a request for a copy of your "summary plan description", which will give you the specifics of your policy. Send it certified as if they do not comply with your request, then you can report them to you state insurance commissioner. You need to first read the fine print in your policy to see if the above apply.
If you are too ill to apply by yourself, consider the services of an advocate or atty. If you do not win you don't have to pay for these services. Also, if your policy reads as most do, your advocate/atty expenses will come out of your back pay BEFORE you reimburse the LTD.
Don't panic! This is typical. But DO watch your back as LTD carriers are ruthless. They also may try to sell you on taking an atty or advocate they recommend. But be cautious! If they hire a rep for you then they will be able to get anything the rep generates during the course of the claim. The atty or rep hired by the LTD is working for the LTD, not you.
I know lots about this subject, so feel free to ask if you have any questions...
Posts: 2276 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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"Illnesses, hover constantly above us, their seed blown by the winds, but they do not set in the terrain unless the terrain is ready to receive them."---Claude Bernard. Posts: 131 | From US | Registered: Dec 2006
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stymielymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10044
posted
i would advise you also to get an attorney. the process is the way it is, and the attorney is part of the process.
you must look for an attorney that specializes in chronic disease, prefer a lawyer with lyme experience. the fee for ssdis is fixed at 25% for the whole term you receive ssdis. this is because they also take care of all the reviews every couple of years and all paperwork for medical.
usually if the attorney is really good they give you a package deal for both insurances, because he only has to do work on one, then court for the other.
try to find the best attorney possible for your case. i was a dentist and didn't know for 3 years and 3 lawyers that there are specialists in almost every field. mine was medical and dental disability.
all ime's that the other side makes you take will make you look healthy, cause they are paid by the ins. company. make sure the lawyer and your case is full of documentation. i hand wrote an advidavit, which is on lymenet telling of all the things i did before and then why i could not do them now. they are really only concerned with work though.
if you can work any job at all ,you will not get ssdis. they have a jobs expert at the hearing that has every job available in the country. this is why it is best to get an attorney. some people have gotten it some, like Kam are still waiting and waiting.
the process is very slow and there is no way to speed it up except get started asap.
go to betty's guide to help you thru the process. need more help contact me anytime i have been thru the process three time ssdis, private disability and workman's comp( not lyme related)
docdave
Posts: 1820 | From Boone and Southport, NC | Registered: Sep 2006
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stymielymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10044
"Illnesses, hover constantly above us, their seed blown by the winds, but they do not set in the terrain unless the terrain is ready to receive them."---Claude Bernard. Posts: 131 | From US | Registered: Dec 2006
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