Understanding Elimination Periods and Benefit Triggers in Long-Term Care Policies
Long-term care insurance is designed to offer peace of mind as you or a loved one ages and begins to need help with everyday activities. However, when the time comes...
Proving Partial Disability for Business Owners and High-Income Professionals: Income Drop Isn’t Always Enough
Disability insurance policies often include partial or “residual” disability benefits for those who can still work in a limited capacity. These benefits are especially important for business owners, executives, doctors,...
Total vs. Partial Disability: Why the Definitions in Your Policy Are More Dangerous Than They Sound
Most people assume that “total” and “partial” are self-explanatory regarding disability insurance. However, the reality is far more complex, and the definitions buried in your policy language can majorly impact...
I was so scared when my disability insurance company denied my claim. I had no idea how to prepare an appeal. I thought I would lose my house. They walked...
Former Client
I contacted Disability Insurance Law Group and they have been taking care of me since that first call. Alicia and her staff fought for me and kept me informed at...
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As a practicing general dentist for 35 years I did all the right things I was told to do by advisors. When I became unable to practice dentistry after a...
Dr. S.
My experience being a client of Ms. Mindy Chmielarz of Disability Insurance Law Group: I contacted Mindy from an advertisement after reviewing her AV rated status from her legal peers on...
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BT
I worked as a teacher for 15 years. I was in a car accident and despite 3 surgeries, I remained in constant pain. I filed my claim for disability insurance...
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I struggled to continue to practice as a dentist after I was diagnosed with MS. After I developed a tremor in my hands, I knew I could no longer treat...
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I never imagined that I would have to discontinue my medical practice due to a disability. Unfortunately it happened, but I had appropriate disability insurance coverage. I knew that proper...
Skilled Principal Insurance Disability Claims Attorneys Representing Clients Nationwide
Described as being “founded in 1879 as an insurance company. Today, we’re a member of the FORTUNE 500® and a global investment management leader” our national claims attorneys at Disability Insurance Law Group know insurance products issued by Principal Life Insurance Company give policyholders peace of mind because of their longevity in the industry.
According to their website, Principal is the #2 provider of total group benefits, including dental, life, and disability insurance in the U.S., describing the latter coverage as simple and easy to access. “You make scheduled payments just like you do with other types of insurance. Then, if you ever get a serious illness or injury that prevents you from working, you receive a monthly benefit that helps you pay everyday living expenses.”
Our national Principal disability insurance claims attorneys know this is how this critical coverage is supposed to work. However, it often takes policyholders very little time to learn this is untrue.
That is why we are here. Our disability insurance attorneys represent Principal Insurance policyholders nationwide — no matter where they live or work in the U.S. — with their best interests and true success in mind so our clients can pursue the benefits they are entitled to from their employer-provided coverage or personal policies.
Does My Employer Handle My Company-Provided Disability Insurance Claim?
Handling your company-provided disability insurance claim depends on the type of disability insurance plan your employer offers.
If your employer provides disability insurance as part of a group benefits package, the claims process is typically administered by the insurance company that underwrites the group policy.
In this case:
You would file your disability claim directly with the insurance company, not your employer.
The insurance company is responsible for evaluating your claim, determining eligibility, and making benefit payments if approved.
Your employer may play a role in facilitating the claims process, like providing necessary forms or information, but they are not the decision-maker.
For many U.S. workers, their employers offer disability benefits as part of their employment packages, which are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), millions of which Principal Insurance underwrites.
ERISA is a federal statute that provides stringent deadlines and guidelines for claimants and insurance companies to abide by in the processing of a claim, submission of an appeal, and, ultimately, the determination of eligibility for benefits under a long-term or short-term disability insurance policy.
ERISA creates an unequal claims process, placing strict obligations on individuals pursuing benefits that make maneuvering a claim difficult and frustrating for unaware claimants when they should focus on their recovery. For most, the process is mysterious and often confusing. What you do not know and what your insurance carrier will not tell you can be fatal to your claim. We can help, starting with a free consultation.
Individual Plans (Less Commonly Provided by Employers)
If your employer offers individual disability insurance plans or if you purchase an individual policy on your own:
The claims process is similar to group plans, but you interact directly with the insurance company, not your employer.
Your employer’s involvement is limited, as individual disability insurance is a personal policy you maintain even if you change jobs.
Essential Steps in the Claims Process:
Notify Your Employer
If you become disabled, you must notify your employer promptly, especially if specific notification requirements are outlined in the policy.
Obtain Claim Forms
Obtain the necessary disability claim forms from the insurance company. Your employer or the insurance carrier typically provides this information.
Complete and Submit Claim Forms
Complete the required forms, providing detailed information about your disability, medical condition, and other requested documentation.
Medical Documentation
Your claim will likely require medical documentation, including statements from healthcare providers about the nature and extent of your disability.
Review and Decision
The insurance company will review your claim, and if approved, they will provide benefit payments based on the policy terms.
Appeals Process (if necessary)
If your claim is denied, most policies provide an appeals process. This involves submitting additional information to support your claim.
Whether you are considering applying for benefits, are waiting for a claim’s decision, or have been denied, we can assist you with your Principal Insurance disability claim anywhere in the country, starting with a free consultation.
At Disability Insurance Law Group, our skilled nationwide attorneys specialize in pursuing disability claims by working directly with our clients to achieve the best outcome. Unlike other disability law firms, we are not focused on churning cases through our offices to increase profits.
We are fully dedicated to providing transparent legal services that allow us to pursue real results for real people who need our help – no matter where they live or work in the U.S.
If you are receiving resistance from Principal Insurance for your U.S. disability claim, or if your claim has already been denied, contact our dedicated disability insurance attorneys nationwide at 954-989-9000 or online to schedule a free, confidential case assessment without delay.
Do You Need Legal Counsel? We Invite You To Contact Us For A Free Consultation.
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch with you shortly, or call us now at 954-989-9000.