We are often asked, “Do I have to quit my job before I apply for disability insurance benefits?”
The answer is a resounding, “No!” In fact, you should not quit your job if you are planning on filing for benefits under your employer-provided policy. The insurance company will say since you are no longer working, you are not covered under the disability insurance policy provided as a benefit by your employer.
Why You Should Not Quit Your Job
If you quit your job and then apply for disability benefits, there is not much we can do for you. When there is no coverage, there is no eligibility for disability benefits.
If you have been plugging along and feel you cannot continue, take some sick days, go to the Urgent Care or Emergency Department for treatment. Call your primary care physician. Get medical documentation of your disability.
We often get called by a client who says they have been working through their medical condition but are now afraid they are going to be laid off. We have to say that it will be very difficult to get disability benefits if they are no longer working and have not taken any time off work due to their medical issue.
If you are in this situation, you must seek medical attention immediately. If you are laid off or quit and have never missed a day of work due to your disability, you will not be covered and will not be eligible for disability benefits no matter how bad your disability is.
What to do if You are Contemplating Filing a Claim for Disability Benefits: Get Copies of All of Your Employer Provided Insurance Policies
Whether you are eligible for disability benefits depends on the language of your disability insurance policy. Our disability attorneys need to review your policy in order to determine if we can help you. You may worry that by asking your employer or the H.R. department for a copy, it will tip them off that you are planning to file for disability benefits. Remember, your employer is required by law to provide you these copies. It is against the law for your employer to retaliate against you in any way because you asked for a copy of your policy.
One suggestion is to ask for copies of all your insurance policies: your health insurance, dental, life, and disability policies. That way, it does not tip your hat to the fact that you might be looking at filing a disability claim. You may be able to go online and download some claim information, but that is not the same as having a copy of your policy.
When you receive your copy of your policy, send or email it to us at Dell & Schaefer. We will review it and then offer a free consultation. We can discuss with you the circumstances of your disability, explain to you the relevant terms of your disability insurance policy, and tell you if we think we can help. Meanwhile, do not quit work before filing for disability.
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Our disability insurance lawyers are available nationwide to provide you with an immediate free consultation to discuss your claim by calling 888-699-9438 or by completing our free consultation form.