Manulife is one of Canada’s largest insurance companies, offering group and individual long-term disability (LTD) policies. These policies are designed to help with part of your income if you are unable to work due to serious illness or injury.
Group plans are usually provided by your employer, while individual plans are purchased directly by individuals, such as self-employed professionals or business owners.
Denial of long-term disability benefits from Manulife can feel like a gut punch, especially if you’re already dealing with a serious illness or injury. You have rights, and there are clear, strategic steps you can take to fight for the benefits you’ve been paying for in premiums all along.
Why Would Manulife Deny Your Claim?
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Manulife may reject a claim for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common ones include:
- Adequate Health Evidence: If the medical documentation you have submitted does not clearly show how your condition prevents you from working, Manulife may argue that you do not meet the disability criteria.
- Deadline Missed: If you did not submit the required forms or documents on time, this may be grounds for denial.
- Independent Medical Examination (IME): Manulife may ask you to go to IME. If the doctor they choose does not agree with your doctor’s findings, they may use this as a reason to deny your claim.
- Monitoring or Processing of Social Media: From time to time, Manulife will monitor or review your social media accounts to look for signs that your situation is not as serious as you say. Even innocent posts showing you doing things can be misinterpreted.
- Changes in the Definition of Disability: After two years of being on LTD, Manulife may change the definition of your disability. Instead of just proving that you can’t do your current job, they’ll need proof that you can’t do it anywhere a job that matches your skills or experience.
Steps You Can Take After Your Claim Is Denied
If your LTD claim has been rejected, don’t panic. You can take several steps to appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Review the Disclaimer Letter Carefully
Manulife will send you a letter explaining why your application was denied. Make sure you read carefully. Sometimes, the reasons for denial may be straightforward, such as lack of medical evidence or missing deadlines. At other times, it may be more difficult, such as a dispute over the definition of your disability.
Collect All Required Documents
One of the most important things you can do is make sure all your medical records and other supporting documents are correct.
If Manulife says you don’t have enough medical evidence, it’s time to go back to your healthcare provider. Ask your doctors for more detailed reports or letters explaining why you can’t work.
Reply to Denial
Once you have determined the reason for the denial and gathered the necessary documents, you can begin the appeal process. The Manulife process may seem complicated, but it’s important to stay on top of it. When applying, make sure that:
- Submit additional medical evidence if required.
- Explain how your condition affects your ability to work.
- Respond promptly to any requests from Manulife for additional information.
Contact a Disability Attorney
If you’re not sure how to proceed or are experiencing challenges with the appeals process, it’s a good idea to seek help from an attorney who specializes in disability claims. Many lawyers offer free consultations so you can get advice without worrying about upfront costs.
An attorney can help you understand your rights, review your claim, and guide you through the legal steps to get your claim approved. They can also assist you in gathering the necessary documents and contacting Manulife on your behalf.
Don’t Forget About Employment Issues
While dealing with your LTD claim, you also need to be aware of any work-related issues. For example, you may have concerns about how your employer is handling your position during your disability.
Be sure to review your employee benefits brochure or certificate of insurance to understand how your benefits should be handled.
You may want to discuss this with an attorney to ensure that your employer is not violating any laws related to your disability benefits.
What to Expect During the Appeals Process
The appeal process for a denied long-term disability claim with Manulife usually takes several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the case.
During this time, you may be asked to provide additional documentation and medical updates or to be re-examined.
While you wait, remember that you still have options for temporary support. You may continue to receive temporary disability benefits or other types of income assistance, depending on your policy.
Make sure you understand the full scope of your operation at this time. If there is any part of your case that you do not understand, find a skilled attorney nearby to explain it to you.
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