How Long is Long-Term Disability in NJ?

If a disability or medical condition prevents you from earning an income, long-term disability insurance benefits may provide some support. The question is, how long will your long-term disability benefits last in New Jersey?

Generally, long-term disability benefits can last until a claimant reaches retirement age in New Jersey. That said, if an individual no longer meets their insurance company’s definition of disability, their benefits may cease. New Jersey policyholders should know that purchasing insurance doesn’t mean they’ll be eligible for benefits. Even if your claim is approved, it may be several months before you start receiving your long-term disability benefits. In the unfortunate circumstance that you aren’t eligible, a New Jersey attorney can help you explore other types of disability benefits.

Our lawyers are here to help New Jersey residents get the disability benefits they deserve. For a free case evaluation with the New Jersey disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Deane, call today at (609) 557-3081.

How Long Will Long-Term Disability Benefits Last in NJ?

Unlike other Social Security programs, long-term disability insurance is purchased either as a private plan or through a New Jersey worker’s employer. A long-term disability insurance policy can help those who have been diagnosed with serious medical conditions and can no longer earn an income.

If you’ve been approved for long-term disability benefits through your insurance, you will likely receive benefits for life, provided your disability remains. New Jersey residents may choose to include a short-term disability plan within their long-term disability insurance policy so that they are covered regardless of the length of time their condition is expected to persist.

If your disability improves and you can return to work, your long-term disability benefits may cease. The criteria you must meet to qualify for benefits will depend on your specific insurance policy. Understanding what you must do to remain eligible for long-term disability benefits for life is crucial, so it’s wise to consult an East Brunswick disability lawyer. A long-term disability insurance company may request regular medical exams to determine whether or not you still qualify for benefits. If you do, you can likely receive them for the rest of your life.

How Do You Qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits in NJ?

Although you may have purchased a long-term disability insurance policy, you are not automatically eligible to receive benefits. To take advantage of your insurance policy, you must meet the criteria for long-term disability benefits.

Depending on your insurance carrier, you may need to meet different standards to qualify for long-term disability benefits. Your New Jersey disability lawyer can help you understand your insurance policy’s requirements to determine whether you are eligible for long-term disability benefits.

You will likely need to submit your medical records to your New Jersey long-term disability insurance carrier to establish your eligibility. Suppose your medical records do not sufficiently prove your need for long-term benefits. In that case, an insurance company may request that you agree to an independent medical exam.

Some conditions, like injuries, may not show their full severity for some time. Suppose you are initially ineligible for long-term disability benefits but have a short-term disability plan as well. In that case, you may be eligible for those benefits first. Generally, short-term disability benefits last for several months, after which your long-term disability benefits may kick in.

How Long Until You Start Receiving Your Long-Term Disability Benefits in NJ?

Disabled New Jersey residents don’t start receiving their long-term disability benefits right away. The claims process can be lengthy and complicated, with issues that can delay your access to benefits. To speed up the process, you can enlist help from an experienced New Jersey disability lawyer.

Filing a claim with your disability insurance can take time. You probably won’t start getting payments immediately after your claim is approved. In fact, New Jersey residents may have to wait months after being approved for their long-term disability benefits to kick in.

That’s because disability insurance companies require claimants to meet their specific definition of disability for up to six months after being approved. This is known as an elimination period. Suppose you fail to meet your insurance company’s definition of disability during this elimination period. In that case, you may never get your long-term disability benefits.

Learning that you have to wait so long to get your long-term disability benefits can be disheartening. However, if you have an experienced Hamilton Township disability lawyer by your side, they can help you get payments sooner. For example, suppose you also have a short-term disability insurance policy. In that case, you may be able to get benefits through that plan while you wait for the elimination period to expire. Generally, the wait time between getting approved for short-term disability benefits and receiving payments is one to two weeks. Your attorney can help you take advantage of all benefits available to you to start receiving payments sooner.

What if You Are Not Eligible for Long-Term Disability Benefits in NJ?

While long-term disability benefits may seem appealing to New Jersey residents, not everyone has this type of insurance. Suppose you haven’t purchased long-term disability insurance, or your claim has been denied. In each case, a lawyer can help you understand your options.

If you are unfortunately ineligible for long-term disability benefits, all is not lost. Insurance companies can make New Jersey residents jump through hoops during the claims process. These insurance companies often employ unsavory tactics, resulting in denied claims and confused claimants. It’s also important to note that not everyone considers purchasing long-term disability insurance until it is too late.

If you’re ineligible for long-term disability insurance benefits, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. Generally, New Jersey residents with qualifying medical conditions and work histories are eligible to receive SSDI benefits. Like long-term disability benefits, SSDI payments continue for life as long as your disability remains.

Our NJ Lawyers Can Help You File for Long-Term Disability Benefits Today

If you need assistance filing an insurance claim for long-term disability benefits, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the Marlton, NJ disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Deane, call today at (609) 557-3081.