Steps to take after your long-term disability claim is denied by Manulife
Manulife is one of Canada’s largest insurance companies, offering group and individual long-term disability (LTD) insurance policies. These policies are designed to help replace part of your income if you are unable to work due to serious illness or injury.
Group plans are typically offered through your employer, while individual plans are purchased directly by individuals, such as independent professionals or business owners.
Denial of long-term disability benefits from Manulife can be like a punch in the gut, especially when 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 paid so much for all this time.
Why would Manulife deny your request?
Manulife may deny a claim for various reasons. Among the most common are:
Insufficient medical evidence: If the medical documents you submitted do not clearly demonstrate how your medical condition prevents you from working, Manulife may argue that you do not meet the criteria for disability.
Missed deadlines: Failure to submit required forms or documentation on time may be grounds for denial.
Independent Medical Examinations (IME): Manulife may ask you to attend a IME. If their chosen doctor disagrees with your own doctor’s findings, they may use that as a reason to deny your request.
Social media monitoring or review: Sometimes, Manulife will monitor or review your social media accounts for signs that your health condition is not as serious as you say. Even innocent messages of you doing things can be misinterpreted.
Change in the definition of disability: After two years of LTD benefits, Manulife may change the definition of your disability. Instead of just proving that you can’t do your current job, they will demand proof that you can’t do it. any a job that matches your skills or experience.
Steps to follow after your request is denied
If your application for LTD insurance has been denied, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to appeal the decision and fight to get the benefits you deserve.
Review the rejection letter carefully
Manulife will send you a letter explaining why your application was denied. Be sure to read it carefully. Sometimes the reasons for refusal can be simple, such as lack of medical evidence or missing deadlines. Other times it can be more complex, such as a dispute over the definition of your disability.
Gather all necessary documentation
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 consult your healthcare providers. Ask your doctors for more detailed reports or letters explaining why you can’t work.
Appeal the refusal
Once you understand the reason for the denial and gather the necessary documents, you can begin the appeal process. The Manulife process may seem complicated, but it’s important to master it. When you appeal, be sure to:
Submit additional medical evidence if necessary.
Be clear about how your health affects your ability to work.
Respond promptly to any inquiries from Manulife.
Consult a disability lawyer
If you are unsure how to proceed or are having difficulty with the appeals process, it is a good idea to seek help from a disability claims attorney. Many lawyers offer free consultations so you can get advice without worrying about upfront costs.
An attorney can help you understand your rights, review your claim, and guide you through the legal steps necessary to get your claim approved. They can also help you gather the right documents and communicate with Manulife on your behalf.
Don’t forget about employment issues
When processing your long-term disability claim, you should also be aware of any employment-related issues. For example, you may have concerns about how your employer handles your position while you are disabled.
Be sure to review your fringe benefits insurance booklet or certificate to understand how your benefits should be processed.
You may also want to discuss these concerns with an attorney to ensure that your employer is not violating any rules regarding your disability benefits.
What to expect during the appeal process
The appeal process for a denied long-term disability claim from Manulife usually takes several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the case.
During this time, you may be asked to provide additional documentation and medical updates, or even undergo another medical examination.
In the meantime, keep in mind that you still have interim support options. You may continue to receive short-term disability benefits or other forms of income assistance, depending on your policy.
Make sure you understand the full scope of your coverage during this time. If there is any part of your coverage that you don’t understand, find a knowledgeable attorney nearby to break it down for you.
