What not to say to a long-term disability company when they call?

Asked by: Kendrick Dicki DDS  |  Last update: August 22, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (30 votes)

Don't Talk About Sick Family Members. Talk about your disability as much as you want but never discuss a family member's illness. You don't want the disability claim examiner to assume you need time off work to care for someone else or that you are caring for anyone else including grandchildren.

What not to say in a long-term disability interview?

Exaggerating the extent of your disability will not improve the odds that your application is approved. In fact, claimants who complain of chronic pain that is untreatable might make a poor impression on the ALJ. Inflated claims of pain are never a good idea during a disability hearing.

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.”

Can a company deny you long term disability?

Reasons Long-Term Disability Coverage Can Be Denied

Among the most common reasons are: The condition doesn't meet the policy's definition of a disability. Not providing the insurance company with all the requested medical documentation, such as medical records, prescription records, and results from medical testing.

What to say to get long-term disability?

To receive disability benefits, you will have to show that you cannot work in your profession and continue to earn a living. Your physician will need to provide a detailed diagnosis of your condition along with a prognosis as to how your condition will prevent you from working in the future.

Can the disability insurance company call my doctors without telling me?

40 related questions found

Is it hard to get approved for long-term disability?

There are a few factors that can make disability insurance claim approval an uphill battle. One of the biggest factors is also one of the most basic – how the disability insurance policy defines disability.

Does LTD protect your job?

LTD Benefits Don't Guarantee Job Protection: Even though you may be receiving long-term disability benefits, this doesn't automatically mean your job is secure. Your employer has obligations under federal and state laws, such as the ADA and FEHA, but your job isn't guaranteed for the duration of your LTD benefits.

Can I lose my job while on long term disability?

It's rare, but it is possible. In many cases, a disabled individual will continue to be given long term disability benefits if they are employed or not. If you find yourself in this dire situation, you can still file for long term disability benefits with the help of a California lawyer.

What is the most approved disability?

Overall, however, the most approved disability for Social Security is disabilities involving the musculoskeletal system and/or connective tissues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such conditions include arthritis, back pain, and lupus.

What are the cons of long-term disability?

Cons:
  • Disability insurance can be expensive. Coverage costs more the older you get or the more dangerous your job is. ...
  • Policies can come with exclusions that don't cover pre-existing conditions. ...
  • Waiting period. ...
  • If you never experience a disability, you won't receive benefits.

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.

What not to say on a disability function report?

When telling Social Security about your daily activities, avoid general statements like "I get up, shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, go outside to read, eat lunch, etc." These can give the impression that your days are typical and without difficulty.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, benign brain tumors) Mental disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression) Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases) Immune system disorders (e.g., HIV infection, lupus, inflammatory arthritis)

What questions does long-term disability ask?

What Questions Will the Interviewer ask?
  • Has Your Medical Condition Changed or Improved? If your condition has improved, be honest about that fact. ...
  • Tell Me About a Typical Day? ...
  • Tell Me About How You Socialize? ...
  • What Are Your Symptoms? ...
  • Do You Have Plans for the Future?

What is the easiest condition to get 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.

How to pass a disability interview?

Don't downplay your symptoms, but also avoid exaggeration. Providing accurate and detailed information will help the interviewer understand the full extent of your disability. Communicate Clearly – Speak clearly and concisely. If you're nervous, take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding.

What is the most overlooked disability?

Q: What Is the Most Commonly Overlooked Disability? A: Generally, the most overlooked disabilities are mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, to name a few. They are often overlooked and misunderstood.

What illness qualifies for long-term disability?

Some of the medical conditions that may qualify for long-term disability benefits include:
  • Anxiety.
  • Arthritis.
  • Autism spectrum disorder.
  • Bipolar disorder.
  • Cancer.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Cerebral palsy.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

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 does long-term disability pay?

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. Benefit period: Up to 52 weeks.

What reduces long term disability payments?

Other kinds of income that usually reduce your long term disability benefits include Social Security retirement benefits, other federal or state disability benefits, workers' compensation, Veterans Administration benefits, retirement plan benefits funded by the employer (not tax-deferred individual retirement savings), ...

Can a job turn you down for a disability?

You cannot be denied employment, harassed, demoted, fired, paid less, or treated poorly because you have a disability, or have a history of a disability, or because your employer regards you as having a mental or physical impairment that is permanent.

How long is your job protected under long-term disability?

In California, specific regulations prevent employers from setting a predetermined termination date based on a lengthy disability leave. Instead, the duration of LTD benefits and employment status while on leave is influenced by the individual's policy and the nature of their contract with the employer.

Is long-term disability worth it?

Long-term disability insurance generally costs between 1% and 3% of your income, but it's well worth the price. 1 About one in four young people will miss a year or more of work before retirement age due to a disability, and only 37% of Americans have at least a month's worth of income saved.

How to stay on long term disability?

In order to continue to qualify for benefits, detailed medical information must be provided to the LTD carrier initially and throughout the life of the claim as requested. Failure to do so will result in termination of your benefit.