Do I Qualify for Long-Term Disability if I Suffer from Mental Illness?

When we think about personal injuries, the first thing that comes to mind is physical injuries. While that might be accurate in most cases, we tend to overlook mental illness, and how victims may qualify for long-term disability (LTD) insurance. Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD are all claimable under LTD. In this article, we will discuss which types of mental illnesses qualify for long-term disability, what the process for making a claim looks like in addition to some barriers, and how Findlay Lawyers can help you receive compensation.

Many psychological illnesses qualify for LTD, including:

• Borderline Personality disorder
• Neurocognitive disorders
• Mood Disorder
• Panic Attacks
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism
• Drug Addiction
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Chronic anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression

The process of filling an insurance claim can be especially difficult when dealing with mental illness. Here at Findlay, we work directly with our clients to ensure the best possible outcome and take the work out of your hands.

To file a claim, there are several steps to take to prove you are indeed disabled:

• Organizing your personal health records
• Keeping records of your doctor appointments
• Listing test results and/or diagnoses on your claim
• Getting your diagnoses noted from your doctor or psychiatrist
• Creating a personal journal

It is common for mental illness claims to be denied by insurance companies. Some barriers you might encounter on your journey for a claim are as follows:

• Insurance companies want to settle for less than expected
• Incorrect information (e.g. a note from the wrong doctor)
• You don’t meet the policy’s definition of disabled
• You have a pre-existing condition
• You have insufficient evidence of your disability
• You’ve been caught performing activities which should be impossible with your disability

Nearly half of all the disability claims in 2021 came from young employees as a result of mental health complications. It is much more common than some might realize. Here at Findlay, we are dedicated to serving you with the upmost respect, while also handling your claims as efficiently as possible. Below are some tips to get started on your claim:

• Check with your employer to see if your disability falls under any health care plans or disability insurance
• Make sure you are covered under a disability or insurance policy
• Have documentation that you’ve been out of work between 90-180 days (speak with your employer or lawyer for clarification)
• Prepare to submit personal information such as: demographic/personal information, banking information, your treating doctor's contact information, additional income sources, work history, diagnostic and treatment documents about your disability)
• Get in touch with a lawyer, such as a member of the Findlay Team

The process of claiming long-term disability due to mental illness can be long and complicated. We hope that this post has brought some clarity about the steps involved. If you believe you are entitled to a long-term disability claim for mental illness, and have any questions, contact a Findlay representative today at 905-522-9799 to get started.