Manulife is one of Canada's largest insurance companies, offering both group and individual long-term disability (LTD) 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 typically provided by your employer, while individual plans are purchased directly from people such as freelancers or business owners.
Denial of Long-Term Disability Benefits of Manulife can feel like a punch in the gut, especially if 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 along.
Why would Manulife deny your claim?
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Manulife may deny a claim for a variety of reasons. The most common include:
- Insufficient medical evidence: If the medical documentation you submit does not clearly indicate that your medical condition prevents you from working, Manulife may argue that you do not meet the criteria for disability.
- Missed deadlinesNote: Failure to submit the required forms or documents on time may be grounds for rejection.
- Independent Medical Examinations (IME): Manulife may ask you to participate in one DO. If your chosen doctor disagrees with your own doctor's findings, they could use this as a reason to deny your claim.
- Monitoring or social media auditing: Sometimes Manulife will conduct monitoring or check your social media accounts to look for signs that your condition is not as serious as you claimed. Even innocuous posts that show you doing things can be misinterpreted.
- Changing the definition of disability: After two years with LTD, Manulife may change the definition of your disability. Instead of just proving that you can't do your current job, proof that you can't do the job is required any Job that fits your skills or experience.
Steps to take after your claim is denied
If your LTD claim has been denied, don't panic. There are several steps you can take to appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Read the rejection letter carefully
Manulife will send you a letter explaining why your claim was denied. Make sure you read it carefully. Sometimes the reasons for rejection can be as simple as lack of medical evidence or missing deadlines. In other cases it may be more complex, such as a dispute over the definition of your disability.
Collect all necessary documents
One of the most important things you can do is make sure all of your medical records and other supporting documents are in order.
If Manulife claims you don't have enough medical evidence, it's time to contact your doctor again. Ask your doctor for more detailed reports or letters explaining why you cannot work.
Appeal the denial
Once you understand the reason for the denial and gather the necessary documentation, you can begin the appeal process. Manulife's process may seem complicated, but it's important to keep track. When appealing, ensure the following:
- Provide additional medical evidence if necessary.
- Understand how your condition affects your ability to work.
- Respond quickly to all requests from Manulife for further information.
Consult a disability lawyer
If you are unsure how to proceed or are facing challenges with the appeals process, it is a good idea to seek the help of an attorney who specializes in disability claims. Many lawyers offer free consultations, so you can get advice without having to worry 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 communicate with Manulife on your behalf.
Don't forget about employment issues
As you process your LTD claim, you also need to be aware of any employment-related issues. For example, you may have concerns about how your employer will handle your position while you are incapacitated.
Be sure to review your benefits brochure or certificate of insurance to understand how your benefits should be handled.
You may also want to discuss these concerns with an attorney to ensure that your employer is not violating any rules related to your disability benefits.
What to expect during the appeal process
The appeal process for a denied long-term disability claim 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, medical updates, or even undergo further medical evaluation.
While you wait, remember that you still have options for temporary support. Depending on your policy, you may continue to receive short-term disability benefits or other forms of income support.
Make sure you understand the full extent of your insurance coverage during this period. If you don't understand any part of your insurance coverage, find a knowledgeable attorney in your area who can break it down for you.
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