Certain benefits provided by employers are subject to federal regulations. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) helps protect workers from the loss of retirement benefits and pensions their employers promised them.
The law also applies to the private disability benefits employers sometimes include in comprehensive compensation packages. Long-term and short-term disability benefits are particularly useful for those in well-compensated professions. Neither workers’ compensation nor federal disability benefits are likely to fully replace the lost income of well-paid workers.
The rules established under ERISA help protect workers by establishing rules for employers and insurance companies when a policyholder cannot work due to a medical issue. However, the claims process is still relatively complex.
A careful policy review
Workers often gloss over policy paperwork when they first accept a position and review the benefits package. They have no need to review the minor details about when coverage applies and what the claims process entails. The first step in any ERISA disability claim is to go over policy paperwork in depth with an attorney familiar with ERISA disability benefits. That way, the attorney representing the worker can follow the right process and knows what coverage is available.
Gathering medical evidence
Adequate medical documentation is crucial in a disability benefits scenario. Workers hoping to obtain disability benefits need compelling evidence showing that they are completely unable to work. Many employees do not understand how to meet that standard and what steps to take to document the impact their condition has on their ability to work or live independently. A lawyer assisting with an ERISA claim can help a worker undergo the right testing and gather appropriate documentation to prove that they need benefits.
Following company procedure
Every insurance company has slightly different paperwork and claims requirements. Those seeking long-term or short-term disability benefits need to fill out the appropriate paperwork and submit it to the right party. Small mistakes in the process can lead to significant delays in claims processing. When a claim is initially unsuccessful, workers may also need support as they navigate an internal appeal or evaluate whether they qualify to file a lawsuit.
Rather than trying to handle a complex ERISA disability claim alone, it is usually beneficial for workers to bring in professional assistance from the earliest stages of the process. Realizing that claims can be difficult to navigate can help people understand the importance of seeking assistance from go.