Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The ERISA Process: How To Navigate A Long-Term Disability Denial In Florida
You’ve done everything right. You paid into your employer’s long-term disability (LTD) plan, your doctor agrees you can’t work, and you filed your claim on time. Then the letter arrives: Denied. For Florida workers with employer-provided LTD benefits, that denial likely falls under ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. ERISA has strict, unforgiving… Read More »
How Substance Use Disorders Are Handled In Florida Long-Term Disability Determinations
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are medical conditions, not moral failings. Like other chronic health issues, they can severely impact a person’s ability to hold a job, maintain focus, or manage daily responsibilities. For those struggling with addiction in Fort Lauderdale, employer-provided long-term disability (LTD) insurance can be a critical financial lifeline. Our experienced Jacksonville… Read More »
Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida: How They Coordinate With Workers’ Compensation
If you get hurt on the job in Florida and can’t work for a year or longer, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may also be entitled to payment through employer-provided long-term disability (LTD) coverage. Great, right? But then the paperwork starts piling up. The insurance adjuster says your LTD… Read More »
How Depression And Anxiety Are Evaluated In Florida Social Security Disability Claims
Long-term disabilities impact Florida residents of all ages. If you have steadily worked over the years and meet other eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. These can help supplement your lost income. However, filing a claim is always challenging, particularly when your condition isn’t visible. Anxiety and depression are… Read More »
Common ERISA Mistakes That Can Cost You Your Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida
When an illness or injury prevents you from working for a year or more, long-term disability (LTD) benefits can help you stay afloat and avoid financial disaster. If your policy is through your employer, it is subject to ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. ERISA protects employee benefits, but when appealing dealing claims,… Read More »
ERISA: How It Affects Florida Employer-Provided Long-Term Disability Benefits
Employer-provided long-term disability helps protect your financial security if a disabling injury, severe illness, or ongoing health issue keeps you from working for more than a year. While these benefits may be included in your employee compensation package, getting a claim approved is often challenging. If you’ve filed a claim for long-term disability (LTD)… Read More »
How Social Security Evaluates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Florida Long-Term Disability Claims
Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) means facing exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix, unpredictable flare-ups, and an inability to keep up with work or daily life. If you’re struggling to hold a job because of CFS, you may wonder how the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your condition when deciding long-term disability claims…. Read More »
Social Security Disability Benefits In Florida: What To Expect At A Consultative Exam
If you are a Florida resident seeking Social Security disability benefits, be aware that the Social Security Administration (SSA) may schedule a consultative exam with an independent doctor. These exams are not for treatment, but to give SSA more detailed medical information. The outcome of a consultative exam can influence whether disability benefits are… Read More »
ERISA Appeals For Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits: What Florida Claimants Need To Know
If your employer-provided long-term disability (LTD) benefits were denied, you’re likely frustrated and overwhelmed, and understandably so. These policies are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a federal law that provides important protections. However, it also imposes strict deadlines and procedures that can make winning an appeal… Read More »
The Role Of Vocational Experts In Florida Social Security Disability Hearings
If you filed a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application only to have it denied, you’re not alone. While most claims get denied on the first try, you have the right to file an appeal. This requires appearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), during which a vocational expert (VE) will testify about your… Read More »







