Are you looking for ways to find the financial assistance that you need during these trying times? Do you want to file for a long-term or short-term disability claim? If so, then there are many different factors that you need to consider.
These factors are the same ones that will be used to either approve or deny your disability claims. When you feel like you have mental or physical injuries that prevent you from finding a job, it’s time to give those factors a consideration.
See below for all of the factors that you need to think through while you file for your disability claim.
1. Find the Right Attorney
The entire disability claim process isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires you to undergo a lot of different things to get the disability benefits that you and your family need.
In order to set yourself up for success, you need to hire an experienced disability attorney to represent you. They can help you throughout the application process and make sure that you submit everything you need to get it approved.
They can assess your situation and advise you on whether to go with long-term or short-term disability, how to claim disability, and what to expect throughout the process.
For example, you might think that you’re only eligible for short-term disability benefits. However, certain disabilities like a nervous system disorder or mental health issues could lead your attorney to advise that you seek long-term disability instead.
When searching for an experienced attorney, remember that this process could take a while. Because of that, you want to find one that you have a good relationship with and can see yourself working with until getting the benefits that you require.
2. Are You Entitled to Disability Benefits?
The biggest problem that many people have with this process is knowing what counts as an eligible disability.
You won’t find a solid list of conditions that are either acceptable or unacceptable. Every situation is different, so it’s hard to outline exactly what that looks like.
Essentially, a disability can be labeled as anything that impedes your ability to perform daily activities in your life and your job. These disabilities might have been caused by a disease, workplace accident, or something else along those lines.
It’s important for you to consider whether your condition limits you or prevents you from doing certain activities. If you’re still able to work up to speed with your condition, then you might not be eligible for disability.
Be sure to hire a disability attorney to see whether you qualify for disability. They can assess your situation and help you file the right way.
Even if you don’t meet the right qualifications for disability benefits, your circumstances could warrant you filing for workers’ compensation. Be sure to explore all your options.
3. Meet the Proper Timeline
Timing is everything when filing a claim, whether it be a disability claim, workers’ comp claim, or anything else along those lines.
You’ll want to make sure you understand the proper timeline before you start the disability claim process. There are many requirements that you might end up facing as a result.
First, you’ll want to understand the deadline for your disability claim. Second, make sure you’ve worked for your employer long enough to be eligible for the disability benefits.
If you’re unsure of what that timeline looks like, your employer should be able to shed some light. Make sure to hire a disability lawyer to ensure your claim meets all the timing requirements. They’ll keep you accountable and take over all legal documentation needs.
4. Provide the Evidence
One of the biggest complications to a disability claim is the lack of evidence. You and your attorney will spend a majority of your time building evidence for your case.
This includes things such as treatment records, a diagnosis from a medical doctor, certain test results showing the disability you’re claiming to have, and so on.
Many people sabotage their own case by not receiving proper medical attention as soon as possible. They let the fear of temporarily covering medical costs stand in the way of receiving the treatment that they need.
Your opposition can actually use that against you. They’ll claim that if you truly had a disability, you would’ve sought out help sooner. Be sure to seek out medical attention right away to a) get treatment and b) compile evidence for your claim.
5. Set Your Own Expectations
Make no mistake about it, even with a fair amount of evidence, your disability claim status could be up in the air for a few months.
Typically speaking, the timeline for an initial disability claim can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. If your initial claim gets rejected, then your timeline will be set back that much further.
Be sure to set yourself up with an experienced attorney from the get-go. That way, you can hopefully get approved on the first claim and receive the benefits you need much faster.
File the Disability Claims With an Experienced Attorney
Now that you have seen many different factors that you need to consider when filing disability claims, be sure to start with the first one. Find the experienced disability attorney that you need.
Be sure to find one that knows the ins and outs of the process. Ask them questions and see if they can shine a light on what you can expect from your specific situation.
Make sure to browse our website for more articles on the disability claim process, finding the right lawyer, and other topics that you’ll find helpful.
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