Long Term Disability for Cancer
Surviving cancer does not end the battle you may face as a result of this devastating disease. Filing a long term disability claim may be necessary when you cannot work. However, failing to file a claim correctly, bad faith insurance practices, and other obstacles may prevent you from getting the help you need. Our San Diego long term disability claim attorneys at Dawson & Rosenthal, P.C. offer experience and insight into successfully navigating the complexities of filing a long term disability claim for cancer in California and Arizona.
Reasons For Filing a Long Term Disability Claim for Cancer
Not only can cancer be crippling, but the side effects of cancer treatment in San Diego can make it impossible for you to work. The financial hardships resulting from care can make being unable to work a substantial emotional and financial burden on you. You may be eligible for long term disability to offset your expenses when cancer or treatment causes side effects that prevent you from working. Long term disability plans provide insurance coverage when an injury or common diagnoses that require long term care, like cancer, prevents you from working. Filing a long term disability claim for cancer can provide income replacement and other benefits when you need them most.
Eligibility Requirements for Qualifying for Long Term Disability Benefits
The terms of your employer-sponsored insurance plan or an individually purchased private insurance policy will determine if you qualify for long term disability in California or Arizona. Some cancers may not be eligible for these benefits. Reviewing and understanding your insurance policy can help you identify what type of disability benefits may apply and conditions that apply to receive benefits, including:
- The stage of cancer at diagnosis
- Disease severity
- Cancer location
- Treatment
- Your age
- Occupation
- Work history
Ultimately, it is necessary to prove that you qualify for benefits. A San Diego long term disability claim attorney can relieve the stress of filing a claim by walking you through documenting an illness and taking the steps to file a claim.
Benefits You May Receive for Long Term Disability for Cancer
Long term disability benefits for cancer survivors in San Diego can help you cover various costs. Even if you can work after a cancer diagnosis and treatment, you may be unable to perform a previous job due to health limitations. Long term disability benefits may cover the following:
- Medical expenses: The costs of cancer treatment, doctor’s visits, in-patient care, and medication you pay for may be covered.
- Rehabilitative costs: Your recovery may require physical, occupational, cognitive, or speech therapy to help you regain life skills.
- Vocational training: Career transitions may occur after a cancer diagnosis and treatment, requiring you to learn new skills for employment.
- Earnings replacement: You may receive a percentage of your previous income before a cancer diagnosis. You can estimate the amount of your benefits.
Sadly, cancer can claim a primary caregiver, leaving dependents unsure of where to turn for help. You may be eligible for survivor benefits in California or Arizona if your loved one succumbs to cancer. A long term disability claim attorney with our firm can explore the options available to you and your family.
Challenges in Filing a San Diego long term Disability Insurance Claim
A claim denial for long term disability is not uncommon and can leave you feeling overwhelmed. You have the legal right to appeal the denial. Seeking legal guidance to prevent missteps in filing a claim and appealing a denial can relieve the stress you already experience, helping you overcome these challenges to filing a long term disability claim:
- Understanding your policy: Navigating the complex language of your policy and the assistance available to you can be daunting. First, you must understand your insurance coverage to take the next steps in filing a claim.
- Preparing a claim and filing for benefits: The paperwork accompanying filing a claim can be exhaustive, depleting your mental and physical energy. Preparing and successfully filing a claim is often dependent on how well you document the claim and request for benefits.
- Maximizing long term disability benefits: Many cancer patients and survivors are unaware of all the benefits available. Advocating for the benefits available to you is necessary to receive assistance that may support rehabilitation and job training.
- Appealing a Claim Denial: Understanding why a claim is denied and providing the additional evidence that can help you secure long term disability for cancer is crucial in strengthening your case and receiving approval for benefits.
- Understanding Your Rights: Laws that govern disability claims in California and Arizona are complex. Failing to understand your legal protections can endanger your claim.
Insurance companies may use these common tactics to deny a long term disability claim. When filing a claim, your statements to the insurance company and prior medical history may be used against you, leading to a denial of the necessary benefits. A member of our firm can mediate with the insurance company to protect your claim and rights.
Filing a Long Term Disability Claim for Cancer
It can take six to eight months to receive an initial decision about disability benefits once you apply, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Begin by notifying your employer of the intent to file if your coverage is employer-sponsored. Ask your employer for the application to file a long term disability claim. Gather as much medical documentation as possible to support your claim. Document the limitations on your ability to perform your job and other evidence about your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Fill out the application and submit it with your documentation, making sure to keep a copy of the information. File an appeal within the time limits if you receive a claim denial. Submit any requested documentation or evidence to strengthen your claim and increase approval potential.
Discuss Long Term Disability for Cancer in California and Arizona
The Dawson & Rosenthal, P.C. team understands your challenges in successfully filing a long term disability claim. We offer over 70 years of combined experience fighting insurance bad faith and long term disability claims denials in California and Arizona. Contact a San Diego long term disability claim attorney with our firm for assistance with navigating filing a long term disability claim for cancer.