LTDI - Initial interview

Disability Insurance
1

Hey guys,

What was your experience with the initial interview that you had with your case manager, type of questions asked, expectations or what questions should i be asking. Appreciate if you could share.

Thank you!

2

If it is a phone interview, they will gather information about your illness but mostly they will be interested in your limitations. They are NOT your friend. They are recording the phone call and writing everything down. One slip up could cost you. Take your time and PAUSE before you answer each question. Speak very slowly. Everytime they are done asking a question, say to yourself “5 mississippi… 4 mississippi…” … count 5 of them before you answer. If the case manager goes “Hello??? are you there?” say “Yes, I just think slowly. Please bear with me”. If you don’t feel comfortable answering something, say “I don’t know”. If they ask you a question like “How long can you sit at one time?” say “I don’t know”… because you don’t know… you’ve never timed yourself sitting. Also, it varies by day. And the type of chair. And how hot it is out. How long can you sit in a lazy-boy recliner in an air conditioned room vs hot long can you sit in a wood stool in 30 degree heat?? GET IT??? They try to trick you. Just say I DONT KNOW or my other favourite “I am not a doctor”. If the phone call is too stressful, tell them “Sorry I am having an anxiety attack I need to discontinue this call” and then tell them in the future to only write you via mail or email. Honestly don’t play their games.

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3

Love this answer! It’s so true. They are NOT YOUR FRIEND.

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4

Has anyone been able to do the initial interview by email?

5

You are 100 percent correct Adam they are not your friend. Regardless of how nice the person may seem their job is to figure out a way to cut you off benefits, simple as that. I recall when I had my initial phone interview they asked me if I got along with people at work and I said I did. If they can establish you are off work due to a burnout or stress caused by your boss they will say it is a HR issue and that doesn’t qualify for LTD. They also asked me how I spent my time since I was off work if I used social media. I said I don’t use social media. Best advice for anybody on social media is to go dark or put your setting to private. If they find a picture on Facebook that conflicts of what you have said it gives them an excuse and I felt the social media question was more along the lines if you can spend time on Facebook you can work but I shut it down by saying no social media for me because I don’t use social media and I know if they searched for me they will get the wrong person. They do take things out of context to suit them. I once had a follow up check in call and the case manager asked Hi, How are you? and I replied I am ‘ok’ their reaction was ‘oh that is good’ but clearly after the call they knew I was struggling. Just an example of how you can say something but they interrupted to suit them. I have been fortunate I have been approved for DTC and CPPD and I haven’t had to deal with them over the phone as much now but initially I would find the frequent phone calls stressful. Anybody off on a mental health issue it is important to not only work with your GP but a psychiatrist and a psychologist/registered clinical counsellor as well so you can show them you are doing your part to get better.

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