Manulife is one of Canada’s largest insurance companies, offering group and individual long-term disability (LTD) insurance policies. These policies are designed to help replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to a serious illness or injury.
Group plans are usually provided by an employer, while individual plans are purchased directly by people, such as self-employed professionals or business owners.
Denial of long-term disability benefits From Manulife It can feel like a punch in the gut, especially when you’re already dealing with a serious illness or injury. You have rights, and there are clear strategic steps you can take to fight for the benefits you’ve been paying a premium for all this time.
Why does Manulife reject your claim?
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Manulife may reject the claim for various reasons. Some of the most common ones include:
- Insufficient medical evidence: If the medical documents you provide do not clearly show how your condition prevents you from working, Manulife may argue that you do not meet the criteria for disability.
- Missing deadlines: If you do not submit the required forms or documents on time, this may be grounds for rejection.
- Independent Medical Examinations (IME): Manulife may request your presence Input method editor. If the doctor they choose doesn’t agree with your doctor’s findings, they may use that as a reason to deny your claim.
- Monitoring or auditing social media: Sometimes, Manulife will monitor or review your social media accounts to look for signs that your condition is not as serious as you claim. Even innocent posts that show you doing things may be misinterpreted.
- Change in the definition of disability: After two years of enrolling in LTD, Manulife may change the definition of your disability. Instead of simply proving your inability to do your current job, they will ask for proof of your inability to do it any A job that fits your skills or experience.
Steps to take after your claim is denied
If your limited claim is denied, don’t panic. You can take several steps to appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Review your rejection letter carefully
Manulife will send you a letter explaining why your claim is denied. Make sure you read it carefully. Sometimes, the reasons for rejection may be straightforward, such as loss of medical evidence or failure to meet deadlines. Other times, it may be more complicated, such as a disagreement over the definition of your disability.
Gather all necessary documents
One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that all of your medical records and other supporting documents are in order.
If Manulife claims that you do not have sufficient medical evidence, it is time to go back to your healthcare providers. Ask your doctors to provide more detailed reports or letters explaining why you cannot work.
Appeal the denial
Once you understand the reason for the denial and collect the necessary documents, you can begin the appeal process. The Manulife process may seem complicated, but it is important to stay on top of it. When filing an appeal, make sure of the following:
- Provide additional medical evidence if necessary.
- Be clear about how your condition affects your ability to work.
- Respond quickly to any requests from Manulife for further information.
Consult a disability attorney
If you are not sure how to proceed or if you are experiencing challenges with the appeals process, it is a good idea to seek help from a disability claims attorney. Many lawyers offer free consultations so you can get advice without worrying about upfront costs.
An attorney can help you understand your rights, review your claim, and guide you through the legal steps to get your claim approved. They can also help you gather the correct documentation and contact Manulife on your behalf.
Don’t forget about staffing issues
While handling your limited claim, you should also be aware of any employment issues. For example, you may have concerns about how your employer will handle your position while you are disabled.
Be sure to review your employee benefits handbook or insurance certificate to understand how your benefits will be handled.
You may want to discuss these concerns with an attorney as well to ensure that your employer is not violating any rules regarding your disability benefits.
What to expect during the appeals process
The appeal process for a long-term disability claim denial with Manulife typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the case.
During this time, you may be asked to provide additional documentation and medical updates or even undergo another medical examination.
While you wait, keep in mind that you still have options for temporary support. You may continue to receive short-term disability benefits or other forms of income assistance, depending on your policy.
Make sure you understand the full scope of your cover during this period. If there’s a part of your coverage you don’t understand, find a competent attorney near you to explain it to you.