Working as a lawyer can be challenging at times, even more so with the addition of a disability. Many people find themselves unsure of what to do for income when their disability interferes with the one career they trained most of their lives to do. Disability insurance may provide a solution by replacing lost income. However, there are special considerations for lawyers when it comes to disability insurance. Talk to a Philadelphia disability lawyer to learn more. 

Long-Term Disability Insurance Basics 

Long-term disability insurance provides monetary benefits each month to cover the basic costs of living when a disability prevents you from earning a basic income. The way long-term disability insurance works is by replacing about 50-70% of previously earned income. This will be based on the income applicants used to earn as a lawyer before the disability started.

There are two ways long-term disability insurance policies define a disability. An own occupation period means people can no longer perform the work they used to at their current job. This also applies when they cannot perform work at similar jobs. For lawyers, this might mean not being able to work as a lawyer in any legal-related field.

After the own occupation period, which can last up to two years, the any occupation period can set in. The any occupation period applies to those who cannot perform work at any job that involves their education, training, or experience. In other words, they can qualify for disability benefits if they cannot find any new job due to the disability.

To be considered for long-term disability insurance, be prepared to submit as much evidence as possible to support the existence of your disability. The evidence must also show how the disability impedes work performance. Check any other eligibility requirements like whether applying for Social Security disability benefits is necessary beforehand. 

Special Considerations for Lawyers

There are important considerations for lawyers when it comes to long-term disability insurance. The process of applying for long-term disability insurance can be frustrating due to the complex eligibility criteria. One of the first considerations to be aware of is the waiting periods. Lawyers may not start receiving disability benefits right away.

This may depend on which private disability insurance company they go through. Special considerations to keep in mind are that each disability insurance company will have its own policies and procedures. Some may have different eligibility criteria and wait times.

Some eligibility criteria are based on short-term or partial disabilities while other criteria are based on disability severity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will require the disability to be severe to the point of interfering with work performance. Consider contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer to find out more.

Contact Edelstein & Nelson for Legal Help

Navigating which disability insurance policy to apply for can be frustrating. Ask a Philadelphia individual disability insurance attorney about your options for long-term disability insurance as a lawyer. Call Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today to explore your legal options. Our experienced team is ready to help you find the best disability insurance policy for your unique situation.