Mental Health Limits In Fort Lauderdale Long-Term Disability Claims: What Happens After 24 Months?

If you receive long-term disability (LTD) benefits in Florida for depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health condition, you may be approaching a stressful milestone without realizing it. Many employer-provided LTD policies include a 24‑month limit on mental health benefits.

If your insurer has mentioned a limitation period, or if you receive a notice of an upcoming review, take it seriously. An experienced Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer can help you understand your policy and fight back before benefits stop.

Why Employer-Provided LTD Policies Limit Mental Health Benefits

The Florida Hospital Association reports that nearly three million people throughout the state struggle with mental health disorders. When your condition prevents you from working for a year or more, long-term disability benefits available through employer-provided policies can help cover portions of your lost income.

However, many group policies cap benefits for conditions classified as “mental, nervous, or emotional disorders” at 24 months. After that, your benefits may be cut off, regardless of how disabling your condition remains. Situations that trigger these limits include:

• Your policy labels your condition under broad categories such as depression or anxiety.
• The insurer argues your symptoms are psychological even when physical symptoms are present.
• Your medical records do not clearly separate mental and physical impairments.
• The insurance company relies on its own reviewers instead of your treating providers.

Being denied LTD benefits can feel dismissive and unfair, especially when your condition still prevents you from working. Unfortunately, it happens every day.

How to Protect Your Florida LTD Benefits Before the 24-Month Limit Hits

If you are approaching the 24‑month mark, be aware that you still have options. In some cases, benefits may continue if you can show that your limitations are based on physical conditions or that your mental health impairment is more complex than the insurer claims. Steps to protect your claim include:

• Request a copy of your LTD policy, which your employer is required to provide under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
• Ask your doctors to document functional limitations, not just diagnoses, clearly.
• Make sure your records explain how symptoms affect your concentration, stamina, attendance, and daily functioning.
• Identify any overlapping physical conditions that contribute to your disability.
• Respond promptly to insurer requests for updates or evaluations.
• Speak with a long-term disability lawyer before the insurer makes a termination decision.

Waiting until your benefits are terminated can make the appeal process more difficult. Planning ahead gives you more control.

Before Your Benefits Are Cut Off, Get Support from Our Experienced Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer

At Farrell Disability Law, we help clients across Florida challenge unfair mental health limitations in LTD policies. If your insurer is preparing to end your benefits after 24 months, or if you already received a termination letter, call or contact us online right away.

We can review your policy, gather medical evidence, and push back against improper denials. To speak with our experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer, request a consultation today in our Jacksonville or Orlando office.

Source:

fha.org/common/Uploaded%20files/FHA/Health%20Care%20Issues/Updated%20Briefs%200525/Issue%20Brief%20on%20Behavioral%20Health%20Data%20Profile%20for%20Florida%20FINAL.pdf