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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
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Summary

Many employers will want you to submit the physician's and your portion of the form to the employer so the employer can file the form with the insurance company. This is particularly the case with group policies. If possible, it is advisable to resist this. It will give your employer all the details of your disability - more than the employer needs to know and more than you may want known. You will also probably not know for sure when the claim has been filed with the insurance company. Some claim forms have been known to spend a couple of months on a personnel clerk's desk.

If you file the form yourself, you will get to check what the employer and your doctor said to be sure the information is accurate and complete. You'll also be in control of what is attached to the form, and when it is sent.  

If the employer insists on filing the claim, ask that a copy of their portion of the claim form be mailed to you. At least you’ll know the form was sent. You’ll also have the information to check for accuracy, and a copy for your files.

If you file the form, click here to learn the best procedure.

Whether the employer or you files the claim form, it is advisable to follow-up with the insurance company after the claim is filed. To learn more, see: Disability Insurance: Claim Follow Up.

NOTE: If you haven't completed the claims form yet, see Disability Insurance: How To Complete The Claim Form.

How To File A Disability Insurance Claim Form

Once all portions of the claim form are completed and you have reviewed all of the sections, including the employer's and the physician's:

  1. Assemble all the different portions of the claim form yourself - including the portion from your doctor and your employer.

  2. If you have a Symptoms Diary, photocopy or download the relevant pages to attach to your claim form. If you don't have a symptom diary to submit with the original claim, this is a good time to start keeping one in case you need to appeal a denial.

  3. Prepare a cover note addressed to the insurance carrier such as the following:

 

Your return address

 

Date

 

XYZ Insurance Company
Address

Att.: Disability Claims Department

RE: Your name
Your Social Security number, especially if this is a group policy.
Policy (or certificate) number: ___________

 

Dear Claims Representative:

Enclosed is your form (insert name and/or form number), by which I am filing for benefits under the above disability policy. Also enclosed are (describe each attachment or exhibit).

Please process the enclosed at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions, or if you need additional information please do not hesitate to call me at (provide daytime telephone number).

 

Very truly yours,

 

(Your name)

 

  1. Make a photocopy of the cover note and all parts of the completed form and attachments. If you have group coverage, consider making a second copy of all enclosures for your employer.

  2. Send the originals to the insurance company in a manner that provides a receipt, such as by overnight or by certified mail, return receipt requested.