Unum long term disability and social security

When you need to file an Unum disability insurance claim, it is critical to get the facts you need. You need to have a clear understanding of how Unum disability claims work, and the timelines associated with the claims process. The following is a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you learn more about this complex claims process and to obtain some of the necessary background information for discussing your claim with an experienced Unum disability attorney.

Q: How Does Unum Disability Work?

Many people purchase short-term and long-term disability insurance so that they have an option for collecting benefits in the event they become unable to work due to a disability. In theory, Unum benefits often look like they can be helpful to injured employees, given that the insurance company makes promises of paying up to 60% of the salary you earned while you were working through disability insurance coverage. Depending upon whether you have short-term or long-term disability insurance, the benefits are supposed to provide you with payments for anywhere from 9 to 52 weeks in total with short-term disability coverage and benefits up until you reach the age of retirement with long-term disability coverage. However, many people who suffer injuries or illnesses that leave them disabled and unable to work learn that their claim has been denied by Unum.

In general, this is how the Unum disability claims process should work: If you have a short-term or long-term disability insurance policy through Unum, you must have a documented disability as it is defined by Unum. Provided you have a disability that is included in the policy, you should submit your claim as soon as possible. If your claim is denied, you can go through an appeals process with help from an experienced lawyer.

Q: How to File a Disability Claim on Unum

If you have an Unum disability insurance policy for short-term or long-term coverage, most claims can be filed online. If you want to file a hard copy, you can do so, but you will need to obtain a claim form online or obtain one from someone in Human Resources at your place of employment. The claims process begins when you fill out the form, provide any required information, and file the claim. Whether you are filing a claim online or in hard copy, you should work with an experienced Unum disability benefits lawyer who can ensure that all of your materials are filed accurately and in a timely manner.

Q: How Long Before Unum Long Term Disability Kicks In?

It is critical to understand the timeline for an Unum disability claim—both in terms of getting your claim filed in a timely manner and making certain that Unum has the supporting materials it needs. According to Unum, short-term disability claims typically receive a payment decision within 5 business days, but the company says that “more complicated” medical conditions can result in a payment decision taking up to 30 days. Long-term disability claims typically take 35 to 45 days to process, according to Unum.

You should remember that the insurance company is going to do everything it can to try to show that you are not entitled to benefits. An Unum disability benefits lawyer can help to prove that your medical condition means you are eligible for Unum disability benefits.

Yes. The monthly benefit is reduced by other forms of income such as  temporary disability insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement benefits (regardless of the type of retirement income), and Social Security benefits. The minimum amount you will receive from the LTD plan is 10% of your gross monthly benefit (66 2/3% of salary) or $100 per month.

Are LTD benefits taxable?

No. Since you pay 100% of the premiums for LTD, the benefits are not taxable.

How can I tell if I am already enrolled in the LTD plan?

Look on your pay check stub under the “deductions” column. If you see an entry called “DISBLTY INS” you are enrolled.

How is the monthly benefit calculated?

The monthly benefit is 66 2/3 % of your monthly gross salary reduced by other forms of income, up to a maximum of $5,000 per month.

Example:

How long are benefits paid for mental/nervous conditions?

Up to a maximum of 24 months.

How long can I collect LTD benefits?

For disabilities occurring prior to age 60, benefits will be paid to age 65; if 60 or older, benefits will be payable for 12 to 60 months depending on age when disability occurs.

If I become disabled, how soon am I eligible to receive LTD benefits?

LTD benefits are payable after you have been disabled for 90 days.

If I terminate my employment at Rutgers, can I convert the group LTD plan to an individual plan?

Yes, as long as you were covered for at least 12 consecutive months. Please note that if you leave the University due to retirement, conversion is not allowed.

Must I use all of my sick days before becoming eligible to collect LTD benefits?

No. This is a unique feature of the plan. You may continue to be paid sick days while collecting LTD benefits.