Common Red Flags That Trigger Termination Of Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida
If you suffer a chronic condition that leaves you unable to work for a year or more, getting approved for benefits through your employer-provided long-term disability insurance is a relief. That is, until the checks stop coming.
Insurers don’t just approve claims and walk away. They continuously monitor your case, and if they find what they consider a “red flag,” they may use it to justify terminating your benefits. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains common red flags and how to avoid them.
What Triggers Termination of Florida Long-Term Disability Benefits?
If you can’t work due to a chronic condition, you may be able to get long-term disability (LTD) benefits through an employer-provided policy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports nearly 40 percent of workers are entitled to coverage as part of their overall employee-compensation package.
Dealing with insurers is always challenging, and even once your benefits are approved, the insurer will review your claim periodically. The goal? To save the company money by claiming you’re no longer disabled under the terms of the policy. Common red flags they look for include:
- Missed doctor appointments or gaps in treatment;
- Inconsistent medical documentation (e.g., your doctor’s notes don’t match what you’ve reported);
- Social media posts showing you engaging in physical activity;
- Surveillance footage that contradicts your reported limitations;
- Failure to respond to insurer requests for forms or updates;
- Working or earning income, even part-time, without reporting it.
Insurers do not have to reach out to you before terminating your claim. They can send a letter saying your benefits are ending immediately, which is why it’s important to be proactive.
How to Protect Your Florida LTD Benefits
The best way to avoid losing your LTD benefits is to treat every day like your claim is under review, because it probably is. Insurance companies often hire third-party vendors to watch claimants, comb through public information, and quietly gather “evidence” against you. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Stay up-to-date in getting medical care and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Update your doctors regularly on how your symptoms affect your daily life.
- Document flare-ups and bad days to show your condition hasn’t improved.
- Respond to all insurance company requests in writing and on time.
- Set social media settings to private and consider temporarily deactivating your account.
- Review all policy-related documents, which the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requires companies to provide, free of charge.
- Get legal help immediately if you receive a warning letter or a benefit termination notice.
Contact Our Experienced Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer To Protect Your Benefits
Once LTD benefits in Florida are terminated, the burden is on you to prove the insurer’s decision was wrong. To prevent this from happening, contact Farrell Disability Law.
Our experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer helps clients in Jacksonville, Orlando, and throughout Florida fight against unfair LTD terminations. Whether you’ve just received a warning letter or your benefits have already been cut off, get the trusted legal help you need. To protect your benefits, reach out today and request a consultation.
Sources:
ssa.gov/disability
dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa
