Starting Fresh: Florida Long-Term Disability Resolutions For The New Year
A new year offers a clean slate and a chance to make a fresh start. Unfortunately, if you’re struggling with a long-term illness or injury, it may feel more like carrying last year’s stress into this one.
Whether you’re already on long-term disability or preparing to file, this is a good time to set new priorities that support both your well-being and your claim. Our experienced Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer recommends making resolutions now to protect your health and your benefits in 2026.
Experiencing Long-Term Disabilities in Florida? Take Care of Your Health, Not Just Your Paperwork
The Florida Chamber of Commerce reports that more than 2.5 million residents of the Sunshine State suffer from disabilities. Of these, nearly 400,000 are employed. If you are among them but struggle with long-term disabilities (LTD), employer-provided LTD insurance can be a lifeline.
These benefits can help offset lost income, enabling you to continue to support yourself and your family. However, many claimants get so caught up in managing their claims that they neglect their own care, which can hurt both their well-being and their case. Make this year different by taking simple steps like:
- Keep all medical appointments, even if you’re not feeling better, as gaps in treatment raise red flags.
- Track your symptoms daily, particularly when dealing with fibromyalgia, migraines, or other complex and often difficult to diagnose conditions.
- Ask your doctors to document functional limitations, not just diagnoses, as this helps insurers understand how your condition truly impacts your life.
- Get support if you suffer depression, anxiety, or trauma related to your disability.
The more consistent you are with your care, the stronger your disability case will be. And the better you feel physically and emotionally, the easier it will be to stay organized with the rest.
Take These Steps in 2026 To Protect Your Rights in a Florida Long-Term Disability Claim
Whether you are just now filing for long-term disability benefits in Florida or are already approved, take these steps to protect your rights in 2026:
- Request a copy of all LTD policy-related documents, which you are legally entitled to under ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act).
- Review the terms so you understand your current claim status and upcoming deadlines.
- Keep all correspondence, including denial letters, doctor evaluations, or SSA notices, in one place.
- Once approved, don’t assume your benefits are safe, as many LTD policies reevaluate after 24 months or if your condition “improves.”
Staying proactive helps keep your claim on track. For help navigating the process, contact our Florida long-term disability lawyer.
Get Trusted Legal Help from an Experienced Jacksonville Long-Term Disability Lawyer
At Farrell Disability Law, we represent clients who suffer long-term disabilities in Florida. Whether filing an LTD claim, appealing a denial, or facing new medical challenges, we provide the trusted legal help you need to get benefits in 2026.
To speak with an experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer, reach out and request a consultation in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Source:
dol.gov/general/topic/retirement/erisa
