What is the difference between Short Term and Long Term Disability?
Short Term Disability benefits typically last anywhere from six weeks up to six months, whereas a typical Long Term Disability policy states that an individual can receive benefits up until the age of 65 as long as they continue to meet the policy’s criteria for disability.
The duration of the benefits is the most obvious distinction between Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability benefits, but there are additional differences. Short Term and Long Term Disability benefits are governed by completely separate policies. That means that under each policy, the requirements for receiving benefits might be completely different between Long and Short Term Disability.
For instance, there is very likely to be a separate and distinct application for Short Term Disability vs. Long Term Disability; there might also be different paperwork that an individual is required to submit to the insurer to receive benefits. In some cases, there might be two different insurance companies handling each claim. The criteria for being found disabled might be different in each instance, as might the amount of the benefit you receive.
The disability attorneys at Fields Law handle both types of cases, and we understand how to maximize the benefits for you.
It costs nothing to get answers to your questions –
Do I automatically get Long Term Disability if I’m approved for Short Term Disability?
Unfortunately, you do not automatically get Long Term Disability benefits if you are approved for Short Term Disability. Short Term Disability benefits are governed by a completely separate contract/policy than Long Term Disability benefits.
It can be particularly frustrating for individuals who get approved for Short Term Disability benefits to later be denied Long Term Disability benefits. This situation is somewhat similar to a situation where someone may be approved for Social Security Disability benefits, but not be approved for Long Term Disability benefits. The key with Short and Long Term Disability benefits is that you must meet the terms of the policy.
For instance, each policy will contain a “definition of disability.” This is like the policy’s criteria for being found disabled. You must meet the “definition of disability” to receive benefits under the plan. Just like the Social Security Administration has its own criteria for disability, so does each and every Short and Long Term Disability policy. Thus, even if an individual feels “disabled” in his or her own mind, he/she must still meet the policy’s criteria for being found disabled and receiving benefits.
Long Term Disability Client Testimonial
“I had back surgery in April 2014. Prior to which I had been on 4 pain medications, in extreme pain and desperation. I exhausted the short term disability benefits because I was still recovering and still on nerve pain medication. This nerve pain med had serious side effects and the doctor had to taper that med gradually from my body. I was not ready to go back to work because mentally the drug had countless effects on me.
When I applied for Long Term Disability benefits, the insurance company used an uninformed lazy doctor to go through my medical records for a lengthy 6 weeks to reject my application. I was devastated and swore revenge. I Googled Fields Law and luckily they came to my rescue. Their Fields Law team was really good, kind, reassuring to me. They worked with my primary physician and won the appeal for me. Thanks to Fields Law I got my Long Term Disability check from the greedy insurance company. Thank you Fields Law.”
— H.T., Minneapolis, Minnesota
