Navigating ERISA disability claims through your employer can become frustrating when things do not go as planned. You may not have to settle for less if your ERISA disability claim was denied or delayed. Knowing the step-by-step process for ERISA disability claims can help you know what to expect and what your legal options might be. Consult with a Pennsylvania bad faith claims attorney to learn more. 

How ERISA Can Help You 

Many people wonder what ERISA is and how ERISA can help them. ERISA stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and is designed to provide employees with disability benefits and other benefits like retirement. Employers operating under ERISA must comply with ERISA laws or may face legal penalties.

When it comes to ERISA disability benefits, these regulations usually apply to private employers and do not typically intervene with government jobs. ERISA regulates the disability plans that are offered by employees by their choice to ensure that minimal criteria are upheld for supplying disability benefits. This includes managing aspects of disability benefit plans like providing information, benefits, and limitations.

Employers working under ERISA are expected to provide employees copies of information about their ERISA disability plans. Disability claims must be processed within a certain amount of time. Benefits must be followed through on in terms of providing them according to the plan.

Your Guide to ERISA Disability Claims 

The first step during the ERISA disability claims process is to enroll in your employer’s ERISA plan. Your employer should provide you with a Summary Plan Description with information about how the plan works, how to file disability claims, and limitations. Use this information to see if you meet the eligibility criteria for disability benefits.

Follow the steps on the Summary Plan Description for how to file a disability claim. Some plans will have you submit the claim yourself to the Human Resources (HR) department. Other plans may have a plan administrator do all of this for you.

Be prepared to fill out forms and provide documents needed to meet the eligibility criteria. In most cases, a decision must be made on your disability claim within 45 days. However, this time could be extended to 30 days longer depending on various factors. Denied claims must be followed up with information on reasons your claim was denied and on how to appeal.

Feel free to contact a Pennsylvania ERISA lawyer to consult on ways to appeal a denied disability claim. A lawyer can guide you through the appeals process to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits. This may include submitting additional evidence or going to court. You may also be able to go to court if your employer fails to follow ERISA rules related to your disability claim.

Call Edelstein & Nelson Today

You may not have to settle for no disability benefits from your employer. Talk to a Pennsylvania ERISA claims lawyer to explore your legal options related to ERISA disability claims. Start by contacting Edelstein & Nelson today at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation about your situation. Our legal team is prepared to help you take legal action if your ERISA disability benefits were wrongfully denied.