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Just lost my job 8/31 and transitioned from STD to LTD, how long until I can expect $

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    Just lost my job 8/31 and transitioned from STD to LTD, how long until I can expect $

    Per title, I've been disabled since 3/18 and was just officially fired with almost no notice and told to go file for LTD. Seeing the other denials on here, I'm starting to think I'm in big trouble. How am I supposed to live while we go back and forth with the LTD people? How long has it taken for some of you?

    #2
    Hi Jess,

    I noticed you posted this morning, Labor Day here in the states. And although I cannot help answer your questions some should respond after the holiday weekend.

    I wish you the best and please don't let the "what if's ?" get too firm a grip on you. I've read of frustration but also quick approvals regarding LTD.

    Maybe try a key word search within the archives? Often a good source at MSW, while you wait for some current info?

    Jer

    Ps, Sorry for the way you were treated by your former employer.

    Comment


      #3
      Hi Jess.

      Yeah LTD can be full of pit holes and too much legalese to understand, and the companies love to deny. My husband went to Jamie Hall (our forum "MS Lawyer") and he won the case for him. Very helpful and matter of fact - he takes the time to explain everything to you.

      Even if you don't call Jamie I suggest that you talk to some attorney. It is helpful to have an expert on your side of the battle.

      Have you filed SSDI yet? Jamie does that too, but we had already started that before retaining him for the LTD. He would have been given the case if my husband had received a denial instead of being approved.

      Good luck!

      Comment


        #4
        I would get the LTD policy documents- the big file, not the summary, from your employer. You will need to fill in oodles of papers and have a good relationship with your neuro and primary doc. This will be a full time job making sure that all of the requested documents make their way to the LTD company. They will likely have no compunction about cutting off your stream of income while the papers get processed. Please start reading Linda Nee´s blog on disability- she has many useful tips. Read and reread the LTD policy several times. Be careful what you sign in terms of giving the LTD co. access to your health records and or Social Security records.

        Do NOT assume that the case manager assigned to you from the LTD co. cares about your current welfare or future welfare- the co. makes a profit by denying claims. You are now your most important advocate. Keep a log of phone numbers, names and dates for contact with LTD co., records providers and doctors´offices. The people who will really make a difference in your timeline are the folks who provide the records- be nice and learn their names.

        Comment


          #5
          Sorry to hear. Were you planning on filing LTD anyway prior to firing? Did they give you a cause for the firing?

          It is often easier to get STD than LTD. A few pieces of advice:
          1. Obtain your employer's actual LTD policy. Understanding the definition of disability, as well as key dates in the process and data they are entitled to is really important. Also make sure you have your employer's internal procedures for transitioning from STD to LTD. Mine actually stated I was still an employee until 24 months of LTD. So take a look at in conjunction with your firing.
          2. Make sure you have the support of your neurologist and any other treating specialist that are relevant to your disability (urologist, psychiatrist, vestibular therapist, etc...). Contact these offices and request your medical records going back to your disability onset. Read thru them and make sure accurate and support your disability claim. You want to make sure you have the records the insurance company will have.
          3. I initially filed on my own, was denied, then had to file an appeal with an attorney, which was successful. I had a lot of invisible symptoms, exacerbated by physical and cognitive fatigue, but appear physically normal. If you dont have what you feel is a very strongly supported claim for disability (ie, you are a nurse in hospital and require use of walking aid or wheelchair), I would strongly support using an attorney. While it may cost you some money, it may get your claim approved from the beginning and also alert you to any pitfalls in the future (is there a change in disability definition at 24 months, and if so, any risk to you).


          Sorry you find yourself in this situation. Unfortunately, the insurers have tons of experience in claims, and we have none. Another benefit of using an attorney.
          Kathy
          DX 01/06, currently on Tysabri

          Comment


            #6
            There are a many good thoughts on this post. I honestly believe that, in the majority of situations, insurance companies attempt to make a prompt decision of whether to initially approve or deny benefits. Unfortunately, if any part of the decision making process is slowed -- a doctor providing records, an employer providing a job description, a claimant providing background -- the decision may be delayed. Typically, initial decisions for LTD occur within 60 days of application, and past due benefits are paid in a lump sum upon approval.

            To go beyond the question asked, I've had individuals conduct the initial filing on their own, with mixed success. I don't consider this to be a 'mistake' (although I don't recommend it) depending on the ability of the claimant and/or close family to promptly and accurately provide information to the insurer and quarterback the flow of information between the doctors and the insurer. If denied, however, I consider it a 'mistake' not to promptly hire counsel. At that point, benefits are truly in jeopardy and the learning curve is simply to steep to attempt without assistance.

            Good luck!
            Attorney Jamie R. Hall's practice is focused on assisting individuals with claims and appeals for Social Security Disability and Long Term Disability benefits. He has assisted claimants nationwide, approximately half of whom are MS patients, from his Pennsylvania and Ohio locations. **No attorney/client relationship is created by this communication, and information provided herein is not a substitute for formal advisement.**

            Comment


              #7
              Update

              LTD approved middle of October. Received 3 months back pay. SSDI expected to be approved, using Allsup. Supposedly I have a "very good case" according to everyone (former work HR, doctor, etc). So, now I have been working on accepting that I'm retired at 37 and that its all downhill from here. I have a headache I've had for 10 months and nothing is ever going to get better, but at least I don't have to/can't work anymore.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by jess View Post
                LTD approved middle of October. Received 3 months back pay. SSDI expected to be approved, using Allsup. Supposedly I have a "very good case" according to everyone (former work HR, doctor, etc). So, now I have been working on accepting that I'm retired at 37 and that its all downhill from here. I have a headache I've had for 10 months and nothing is ever going to get better, but at least I don't have to/can't work anymore.
                Glad to hear LTD approved. It is a big adjustment to make. Lots of luck.
                Kathy
                DX 01/06, currently on Tysabri

                Comment

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