If you have a policy for long term disability benefits (ERISA) and have recently received a denial of benefits letter, here is the most important thing to know.
You must provide the carrier with evidence of disability before appeals are exhausted. Generally, there are two administrative appeals for each claim. Usually, there is a 180 day deadline to file each appeal after a denial. The appeals must be exhausted before filing a lawsuit.
You must get the evidence to the carrier before the appeals are exhausted.
Hire a lawyer early. Lawyers know what sorts of evidence will carry weight with the carrier and later a judge.
Don’t wait till appeals are over to hire a lawyer. It will be too late.