Need Advice on Navigating Long-Term Disability Application Delays

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Hey guys… :wave:

I am a bit stuck with my long-term disability (LTD) application process and could really use some advice or insight from others who may have been in a similar situation.

I have been dealing with a chronic medical condition that has progressively worsened over the last few years. After exhausting short-term disability and struggling to maintain my work responsibilities, I applied for LTD through my insurance company about five months ago. Initially, they were responsive and requested all the necessary medical documentation, which I promptly submitted.

However, since then, the process seems to have slowed down drastically. I’ve called the insurance company multiple times for updates, but I keep getting vague responses like “the application is still under review.” It’s been extremely frustrating, especially because my financial situation is becoming more precarious as the weeks go by. I also check this: https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/need-help-with-long-term-disability-claimendix But I have not found any solution. and My doctor is fully supportive of my claim, and I’ve provided everything they’ve asked for, but there doesn’t seem to be any clear timeline for a decision.

Has anyone else experienced these kinds of delays? If so, what steps did you take to move things along? Is there anything I can do to expedite the process? I’m also wondering if it’s worth getting a lawyer involved at this stage or if I should wait a bit longer.

Thanks in advance!

Respected community member!

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I would do the following as a 5 month delay in approval is equivalent to a claims denial.

  1. Send an email to the claims manager that they have taken an unreasonable and unethical amount of time to provide a decision. Copy the insurance company’s complaint email and/or ombudsman. State they have 5 business days to respond with a decision before you take legal action.

  2. In parallel call some LTD lawyers to get the legal aspect moving forward incase of no response or a denial. You’re on the Resolute Legal forum so call them!

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All I can say is 5 months is insane. As much as people hate these companies I’m with Canada life and I was approved almost instantly for STD and then LTD. There was no waiting period at all from what I remember. I was being paid by my employer while the STD went through, when it was time for LTD it was done right away.

I don’t understand how it could take 5 months. Id be extremely annoyed. You paid into this; I would get a lawyer.

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It could be an overwhelmed claim manager or review doctor. Either way I would try to escalate it to a manager and consider a lawyer if that doesn’t help.