Six Things You're Going To Want To Do Before You Apply For Long Term Disability Benefits

It's important that you prepare before applying for long term disability. It can sometimes take time and preparation to be approved for long term disability benefits. The following are six things you're going to want to do before you apply for long term disability benefits. 

Get an application for disability benefits from your employer

You should be able to get an application for disability benefits by asking your employer or by visiting the human resources office of the company you work for.

Make sure you acquire an application for long term disability as opposed to short term disability. There are two different applications for these two types of disability. 

Keep a record of any communication you have with your employer, health care provider, and insurance providers

It's always a good idea to keep a record of key communication when you're involved with a long term disability case. You could benefit down the road from having proof that you made contact on a certain date regarding your disability claim. 

Compile evidence in support of your claim

You're going to need to back up your claim for long term disability with evidence. Your primary form of evidence is your medical records. However, you might want to compile evidence regarding the work conditions or accident that led to your need for long term disability. 

Let your doctor know that he or she may be contacted by the insurance company's doctor

Once you file the claim, the doctor from the insurance company you're dealing with is probably going to contact your own doctor. It's important to give your doctor a heads-up about this to make sure that he or she is prepared for the call. 

Hire the right long term disability attorney

A long term disability attorney is an essential asset in your efforts to get long term disability. The process of applying for disability and defending your claim can be complex and time-consuming. It's therefore important to have a long term disability attorney who can assist you throughout the process. 

Learn as much as you can about the process of filing a claim

Once you've chosen a lawyer to work with, you should discuss your case with him or her. Your lawyer can explain to you how filing a long term disability claim works.

Take advantage of your lawyer's expertise and ask questions. The better you understand the process, the higher your chances will be of winning your case.