Overview
In Alberta, long-term disability (“LTD”) is a type of insurance plan that provides individuals with a income if they are unable to work due to a severe or prolonged disability. This is essential for those who find unable to maintain gainful employment.
The insurance plan offers financial assistance, covering a percentage of the individual’s regular income, ensuring economic stability during the times when the disabled person cannot work.
We can help you take on denied or undervalued claims and fight bad faith practices that are commonly used by insurers who don’t want to pay fair compensations. With Guardian Law Group LLP, we can advocate for you.
Why Choose Us?
Some members of our team have actually worked for insurance companies. We know how they think, why they deny legitimate disability insurance claims from people who are too sick or injured to continue working – and we know how to obtain the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Because we are effective and tenacious advocates, insurance companies are more likely to pay you what you are rightfully owed. Don’t walk away from your rights (that’s what the insurance company wants you to do)!
Filing an Insurance Claim
To file an insurance claim, you must make your claim within a certain time frame. It is usually no more than a year and oftentimes, a few weeks. The exact time will be specified in your policy.
If you have already made a claim and it has been denied or you feel you are entitled to more, get in touch.
Our Team Is Here to Listen
We know how devastating it can be for insurance companies to deny or undervalue your LTD claim.
If this has happened to you, know that there is still hope. Our team has years of experience dealing with insurance companies and can argue your insurance claim on your behalf. Having a reputable law firm with a winning track record in your corner means you don’t need to go at it alone and can incentivize insurance companies to settle.
We handle your matter on a contingency basis, which means we don’t charge anything upfront and only get paid if you do. The more you make, the more we do, so you know we’ll do everything we can to ensure you get the largest claim you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Alberta, short-term disability ("STD") benefits cover temporary disabilities, providing benefits quickly and usually at a higher percentage of one’s salary for a few weeks to several months (sometimes up to 80% or more). LTD benefits cater to more prolonged or severe disabilities, offering sustained financial support, often at a lower percentage of pre-disability earnings, over several years or up to retirement age after a longer waiting period.
Insurance companies sometimes deny or undervalue claims unfairly. You need an experienced advocate to evaluate the proper amount of compensation you deserve.
The elimination period in LTD insurance is the waiting time between the start of your disability and when you begin receiving benefits. It is also known as the “waiting” or “qualifying” period.
Usually lasting 90 to 120 days, but this period varies from policy to policy. During this time, you won’t receive LTD benefits, but you can use STD insurance for financial help until the elimination period ends. A longer elimination period typically means lower insurance premiums.
Long-Term Disability (LTD) in Alberta covers a wide array of medical conditions that interfere with your ability to work over a prolonged period. The determination of eligibility largely depends on the nature and severity of the condition, as well as specific policy guidelines and definitions of disability stipulated by the insurance provider.
Some examples of conditions that commonly qualify for LTD benefits:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Mental Health Conditions
- Neurological Disorders
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- Respiratory Disorders
- Cancers
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Digestive Disorders
- Injuries and Accidents
- Chronic Fatigue and Pain Syndromes
- Hearing or vision impairment
Long-Term Disability benefit payments in Alberta are based on multiple factors, such as the specific insurance policy, the beneficiary’s salary, and the severity and type of disability.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Percentage of Income: LTD insurance typically pays between 60% to 80% of the beneficiary’s pre-disability gross income. However, the exact amount can vary based on the terms of the specific insurance policy.
- Policy Caps: Some policies have a maximum monthly benefit cap. Even if a percentage calculation suggests a higher amount, the payment will not exceed this maximum cap stipulated in the policy.
- Additional Income Considerations: If the beneficiary is receiving additional income benefits, such as those from Canada Pension Plan Disability or WCB, the LTD benefit amount might be reduced accordingly to avoid income duplication.
- Tax Implications: LTD benefits may or may not be taxable, depending on how the premiums were paid. If the employer paid the premiums, the benefits are usually taxable. If the beneficiary paid the premiums, the benefits are often received tax-free.
- Duration of Benefits: The duration for which one can receive LTD benefits also varies. It often depends on the nature of the disability and the specific terms set forth in the insurance policy, such as reaching retirement age or recovery from disability.
Since there are variations in LTD insurance policies and individual circumstances, you should consult the specific insurance policy or contact the insurance provider to get accurate and personalized information regarding the LTD benefit payment.
Understanding the terms of the specific LTD policy, being aware of additional income sources, and considering tax implications are vital in determining the exact LTD benefit payment in Alberta.
In Alberta, insurance companies often deny valid long-term disability claims for a number of reasons. They rely on a list of different reasons for denying this crucial lifeline when you need it most.
Here are some common factors that lead to the rejection of disability claims:
- Not “totally disabled“
- Inadequate medical evidence
- Filing your disability claim or documentation late
- Pre-existing conditions
- Failure to follow a treatment plan
Every situation is unique, and to know for sure, please contact us right away.
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