Understanding Disability Insurance
Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income when you cannot work due to illness, injury, or medical condition. There are two main types: short-term disability (STD), which typically covers the first 3-6 months, and long-term disability (LTD), which kicks in afterward and can last years or until retirement age.
Most people receive disability coverage through their employer as part of a benefits package. These employer-provided policies are governed by a federal law called ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), which creates special rules and procedures that can work against claimants who don't understand them.
Disability insurers are notorious for aggressive claim denials. They may accept your claim initially, then terminate benefits after a few months. They may claim you can do "any occupation" even if you can't return to your own job. They may demand endless paperwork or use surveillance to catch you on a "good day."
Disability Insurance Topics
Explore each aspect of disability insurance disputes in depth.
LTD Claim Denials
Why insurers say noLong-term disability claims are frequently denied. Learn the common reasons and how to fight back.
Policy Definitions
Understanding your coveragePolicy language determines everything. Learn what key terms mean for your claim.
ERISA Claims
Federal law rulesEmployer-provided disability is governed by ERISA, which creates unique challenges.
Special Conditions
Difficult claim typesSome conditions face extra scrutiny from insurers. Know what to expect.
Benefits & Offsets
What you actually receiveYour LTD payment is often reduced by other income sources. Understand the math.
Take Action
Fight for your benefitsPractical steps to document your disability and appeal denied claims.
California Disability Law
Special protections and programs for California residents
California has its own State Disability Insurance (SDI) program that provides short-term benefits to workers who cannot work due to non-work-related illness or injury. Additionally, individually-purchased disability policies in California are subject to state insurance regulations that provide stronger protections than ERISA. Understanding which law applies to your claim is critical to your strategy.
Disability Claim Denied or Terminated?
I help disabled workers fight back against insurance companies that wrongfully deny or terminate disability benefits. Whether you need help with an ERISA appeal, medical evidence gathering, or litigation, I can help you get the benefits you deserve.