term disability

Long-term disability (LTD) benefits provide British Columbians who can’t work due to an illness or permanent injury with a crucial financial lifeline.

Instead of worrying about paying bills or putting food on the table, individuals are able to focus on their health and recovery.

Unfortunately, British Columbians are often cut off LTD benefits while they are still disabled – affecting their ability to get better and potentially worsening their condition.

READ MORE: Can my insurance company cut off my long-term disability benefits after I have been approved?

In many cases, insurance companies don’t have a legitimate reason for doing so. The reality is that insurers profit by denying disability claims and keeping your money.

If you have been cut off from LTD benefits in B.C., don’t lose hope. Here are three things you need to do.

1. Ask your insurer to provide their decision in writing

In our experience, insurance companies often tell individuals over the phone that their disability benefits will be, or have been, cut off.

While most insurers send a denial letter after the call, don’t take any chances. Before hanging up, ask your case manager to provide you with the reasons for the decision in writing.

In addition to explaining why you are being cut off from LTD benefits, the denial letter should address the appeals process and the limitation period within which you can pursue a legal claim.

READ MORE: 3 reasons you shouldn’t appeal a denied long-term disability claim

As soon as you receive your insurance company’s decision in writing, contact an experienced disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Once we are formally hired to represent you, we can use the law to get your insurer to disclose every document relevant to your case. This