Applying For Your Disability Benefits
When a person develops a disability, they can be stressed if they need to continue to be able to support themselves. Unfortunately, their condition may prevent them from working a job. For these individuals, seeking disability benefits can be one of the only options available to them for the financial support that they need.
Myth: Long-Term Disability Only Benefits Those That Are Physically Disabled
One of the most common assumptions about long-term disability benefits will be that these programs are only available to those that have suffered serious physical injuries. While physical injuries can be a common reason for individuals to be unable to work, there are also a variety of mental and neurological disorders that could make it impossible for a person to consistently work. Luckily, these individuals are covered under disability benefit plans.
Myth: You Always Can Apply for Long-Term Disability Benefits Immediately
There are many situations where a person's injuries or other health issues will result in an almost immediate disability. Unfortunately, there can be waiting periods that people will have to meet before they are eligible to apply for their long-term disability benefits. The length of this waiting time can vary, but it can be common for it to be anywhere from several weeks to several months. Luckily, you will not have to be without financial support as you may still be able to apply for short-term disability benefits. This will provide you with the support that you need until you meet the waiting period requirements to apply for long-term disability benefits.
Myth: The Disability Application Process Will Be Simple Enough to Do on Your Own
The process of applying for any type of benefit can be extremely confusing and complicated. Individuals will typically be advised to avoid attempting to complete this application process on their own. Mistakes made at any stage of this process can result in the application being denied or the benefits approved at a reduced rate. To avoid this potentially costly and disruptive problem, hiring an attorney that represents long-term disability applicants can be one of the most effective ways of applying for these benefits as efficiently as possible. These professionals will charge a relatively modest fee that can be collected from the disability benefits once they have been awarded. This will allow clients to be represented without having to pay out of pocket when they may already be financially strained.
For more information about long-term disability benefits, contact a local disability attorney, like Iler and Iler.