Million of Working Americans are offered long term disability insurance from companies like Unum and Signa. The concept of this employee benefit is to protecting your self in the event you can’t work. Which to most makes totally since until you dig a little bit and learn how long your covered and that you may have to apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI).
According the New York Times article these policies have tie in to SSDI is a pitfall thats causing a mammoth back log in the SSDI system (average wait for a hearing is 512 days).
In addition to the wait the SSDI tie in is setting false qualification expectations for Social Security Disability which can leads to years of distress, Here is the deal and what you can do about it.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) qualification for disability is significantly more difficult than long term disability companies. For SSA you have to prove that you can not do any job in the United State including a job like a ticket taker at movie theater greeter at Wal-Mart.
Long disability is less stringent typically one can collect when they are unable to do their own jobs for some period, usually more than five months
So the real problem is that LTD insurance companies are in bed with the feds… surprising huh!
The deal is that LTD company’s only have to pay the difference between (offset) the LTd benefit and the SSDI benefit. Which is a HUGE financial incentive for LTD companies to push their policy holder onto the federal SSDI program …. here is an example
LTD policy pays $2200.00 per month
SSDI benefit pays $1500.00 per month
Once approved for SSDI the LTD company only has to pay the difference between the the LTd and SSDI policies. This is a only $700 per month saving the LTD company $1500.00 per month.
So here my tip …. if your LTD company forces you to file for SSDI understand that it is most likely for their reasons not yours. And make darn sure that your take my FREE mini course to understand if you have qualify for SSDI to save you the aggravation of the process.
Because if you don’t and your LTD company is forcing you into the Social Security application process for their own selfish reasons and you don’t qualify your gonna have a couple of years of hell… just like Ms Ortiz in this New York Times article.
My Goal is to empower you with the knowledge to weave through the disability system,
Brian Therrien
Understanding Continuing Disability Reviews: Key Updates and Guidance
Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the critical topic of Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), which are essential for individuals receiving disability benefits. The focus today is on recent statistics and personal anecdotes that highlight the ongoing importance of staying informed about CDRs.
What is a Continuing Disability Review?
A Continuing Disability Review is a routine process for individuals who have been approved for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts these reviews to determine if the health of a beneficiary has improved to the point where they can return to work, and thus no longer qualify for benefits.
Recent Case and Discussion
Recently, a case surfaced involving a person who had been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for end-stage kidney failure since they were 20. Despite their condition remaining unchanged, they received a notification of health improvement at age 50 and were at risk of losing their benefits. This situation underscores the unpredictability and significance of understanding the CDR process.
How CDRs Work
During a CDR, beneficiaries might be asked to complete a short or long form detailing their current health status. The forms are then reviewed, and if further information is needed, a full medical review may be initiated. It's crucial for recipients to respond promptly to any communications from the SSA to avoid complications or cessation of benefits.
Statistics and Trends
In 2022, approximately 1.5 million of the estimated 9 million disability recipients underwent CDRs. Of these, about 125,000 had their benefits terminated. These statistics reflect a consistent review rate, with an apparent annual increase in the number of reviews conducted, emphasizing the necessity for beneficiaries to stay vigilant.
Key Takeaways
Stay Informed: Always keep your contact information up to date and pay close attention to all correspondence from the SSA. Missing a notification or failing to respond can lead to benefit termination.
Understand the Review Frequency: Depending on the expectation of medical improvement, reviews may occur more frequently. Typically, conditions considered likely to improve are reviewed sooner and more often.
Prepare Adequately: If a review is scheduled, ensure all medical documentation is current and complete. Understanding the review process and preparing accordingly can significantly affect the outcome.
Seek Expert Advice: Engaging with professionals who specialize in disability rights and CDRs can provide crucial support and guidance. For instance, next week, we will feature an in-depth discussion with Attorney James Mitchell Brown, a veteran in the field of social security disability.
Conclusion
Continuing Disability Reviews are a standard part of the disability benefits process, but they can be daunting. By staying informed, prepared, and proactive, beneficiaries can navigate these reviews successfully. Remember, the goal is not only to retain benefits but also to ensure that the support aligns correctly with the individual’s current health needs.
Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights in our upcoming posts, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions or for further information.
Brian
The FREE Local Resource That 87% of People Don’t Know About (That Could Make or Break Your Disability Benefits)
Brian
The Spoon Theory: A Real-Life Guide to Managing Energy with Chronic Illness
Brian
What To Do If SSA Surveillance Leads to a Mistake — And You’re Blamed for It
