Is it hard to get approved for long term disability?

Asked by: Dortha Stehr  |  Last update: September 23, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (50 votes)

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is a type of insurance policy that can provide financial benefits to an employee who is unable to work for a long period due to an accident, illness, or injury. Approximately 67% of disability claims are denied. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Is long-term disability hard to get approved?

Unfortunately, there's no quick or simple answer to that question, and your odds of disability insurance approval will depend on factors ranging from the type of disability insurance policy you have (group or individual) to how often you see your doctor.

What qualifies someone for long-term disability?

Long-term disability isn't a specific diagnosis. It refers to a condition that prevents someone from performing their work duties for a year or more. This can be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from physical injuries to mental health issues.

What is the easiest disability to get approved for?

Do Any Conditions Automatically Qualify for Social Security Disability?
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.

Why would long-term disability be denied?

Missing or insufficient medical evidence: Long-term disability claims often get denied if they lack sufficient information to justify an approval, like medical records and medical statements from your doctor.

Is It Hard To Get Approved For Long Term Disability Insurance?

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What is the most common cause of long term disability?

Musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis and back pain are the leading cause of long-term disability claims, according to the Council for Disability Awareness (CDA).

Why do most people get denied for disability?

The most common nonmedical reason for denying a claim is insufficient number of recent work credits.

What is the hardest state to get disability?

As of 2024, Utah is the hardest state to initially get approved for SSDI. It has an approval rating of 44.64% for first-time applicants. Who Is Eligible for Maximum Disability? A person who meets the SSA's work history and disability requirements is eligible for the maximum disability amount of $3,822 a month.

What is automatically approved for disability?

There are no conditions that automatically qualify you for disability benefits (though some may qualify you for faster approval). However, the Social Security Administration (SSA)'s “Blue Book” lists conditions it will consider for review for people applying for disability benefits.

What gives 100% disability?

The 100 percent disability rating is often awarded to veterans with two or more limbs that have been amputated or paralyzed or for veterans with active service-related diseases such as cancer, severe cardiac conditions, or psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, bipolar, depression, or schizophrenia.

How much is long term disability usually?

The benefit amounts and benefits periods for these state disability insurance programs are as follows: California State Disability Insurance. Benefit: 60-70% of wages to a maximum of $1,620 per week.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

Neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injuries. Cognitive and mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, intellectual disabilities and schizophrenia. Cancer.

What disabilities are hard to prove?

Here are the Top Disabilities That Are Difficult To Prove
  • Mental Health Conditions.
  • Chronic Pain Disorders.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
  • Autoimmune Disorders.

How do you survive until disability is approved?

Applying for Other Benefits – Look into other assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, or local charitable organizations. These benefits can help cover basic needs without impacting your disability application.

What documentation is needed for long-term disability?

W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year; An Adult Disability Report that collects more details about your illnesses, injuries or conditions, and your work history; Medical evidence already in your possession. This includes medical records, doctors' reports, and recent test results; and.

Who approves long-term disability?

The insurance company must review and approve your long-term disability claim before you can begin receiving your monthly disability payments.

What is the most commonly approved disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

Who decides if you are approved for disability?

The Social Security Administration will decide if you are disabled by evaluating your doctor's notes, hospital records, results of any tests that you may have had, and other records.

How much are most disability checks?

Social Security uses a formula to determine how much you should receive as your monthly SSDI benefit. SSDI payments range on average between is $1,300 and $1,600 per month.

What's the fastest you can get approved for disability?

In these cases, the disability claims examiner doesn't have to request that a medical consultant look at your file if they want to approve you. Your case could potentially be approved within 15-20 days if your medical records are complete and the date on which your disability began can be easily determined.

Do most people get denied disability?

In 2022, about one in three processed disability applications was approved. A large number of denials were due to applicants not meeting the Social Security Administration's non-medical, or “technical,” requirements. For those who did meet these initial requirements, the approval rate was approximately 53%.

What disqualifies you for disability?

We generally use earnings guidelines to evaluate whether your work activity is SGA. If you are working in 2025 and your earnings average more than $1,620 ($2,700 if you're blind) a month, you generally cannot be considered to have a disability.

What should you not say when applying for disability?

Ten Things You Should Never Say When Applying For Social Security Disability
  • “It's not that bad. ...
  • “I'm getting better.” ...
  • “I can work, but no one will hire me.” ...
  • “It hurts.” ...
  • “I'm not being treated.” or “I stopped treatment.” ...
  • “I have a history of drug use/criminal activity.” ...
  • “My relative gets disability.”