Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida If You Suffer A Mental Health Disorder
If you suffer from a mental health disorder, it is important to know you are not alone. If your condition impacts your ability to work, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits. This can help offset lost income, allowing you to continue providing for yourself and your family. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains the options, commonly covered conditions, and how to protect your rights to these benefits.
Mental Health Disorders That May Be Eligible For Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida
According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly one out of every five adults struggles with some type of mental illness. These vary in degree, from mild or moderate symptoms that are relatively easy to control to more severe mental health issues that impact your ability to work or enjoy your usual hobbies and other activities.
When your condition results in long-term disability, you may be entitled to benefits through your employer. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental health condition that substantially impacts your ability to perform one or more major life activities. A long-term disability is one in which your condition prevents you from working for a year or longer. Mental health conditions that may make you eligible for benefits include:
- Addiction;
- Anxiety attacks;
- Bipolar disorder;
- Borderline personality disorder;
- Chronic depression;
- Eating disorders;
- Obsessive-compulsive behavior disorder;
- Paranoia;
- Post-traumatic stress;
- Schizophrenia.
Protecting Your Rights To Long-Term Disability Benefits For Mental Health Disorders
Most people would prefer to keep their mental health struggles private. However, when it interferes with your work and other activities, it is important to let your doctor and others know. In addition to family and friends, this may include your employer. To protect your rights in this situation, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Get medical care: Get a firm diagnosis of your condition, make sure it is thoroughly documented by your doctor, and follow all instructions regarding testing and treatment.
- Review employer-provided disability coverage: Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), your employer is required to provide copies of all policy documents, free of charge and at your request. Review these carefully to ensure your condition is covered.
- Review privately purchased policies: Review these policies as well to determine your rights to benefits.
- Review Social Security disability eligibility: If your insurer does not cover your condition, you may be entitled to disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Get legal help: Long-term disability claims are frequently denied, particularly when they concern mental health disorders. To navigate the often complex application and appeals process, get professional legal help.
Request A Consultation With Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer
At Farrell Disability Law, we act as a strong legal advocate on the side of people with mental health disorders, helping them get the long-term disability benefits they are entitled to. To request a consultation in our Orlando or Jacksonville office, call or contact our Florida long-term disability lawyer online today.
Sources:
nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
ada.gov/
dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/erisa#:~:text=The%20Employee%20Retirement%20Income%20Security,for%20individuals%20in%20these%20plans.
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
