It literally pays to know what you’re up against when applying for a long-term or short-term disability insurance benefits with Unum. Many Unum policy holders come to us wishing they had known our lawyers tips to get their disability benefits approved before they applied, and got denied their disability income benefits. Here is what you need to know to get approved for Unum short term or long term disability insurance benefits.

Strong Medical Support From Treating Doctors is Essential for Unum Disability Approval

A Unum disability insurance claim will not be approved without doctor support. This requires extensive documentation in your medical records clearly identifying and stating your restrictions, limitations, ongoing issues and the specific reasons you are unable to perform the duties of your job. This information also needs to be included in all medical forms Unum requires your treating physicians to complete.

Beware of the Generic Unum Claim Forms and Have Your Doctor Complete a Custom Doctor Form

Doctors aren’t necessarily documenting their charts with the insurance company in mind. That is why it is important to have a conversation with your doctors and let them know how crucial their participation is to your claim. UNUM’s attending physician form will likely be very generic with very little room for important details. Our disability attorneys will create a customized attending physician form that includes questions specific to the “definition of disability” as related to your ability to work.

You Must be Prepared for the Initial Phone call with Unum and all other Communications

Once you have filed a long-term or short-term disability claim, UNUM will contact you by phone for an initial interview, which will be recorded. It’s essential to avoid giving too much information, and only answer the questions asked of you, and always be honest. Dell & Schaefer’s disability attorney will prepare you for this interview and even be on the call with you.

Unum Disability Policies Contain Language That Can Limit the Period of Time Unum Will Pay

Understanding  your Unum policy limitations will allow you to make your initial claim with those considerations top of mind. For example, the vast majority of UNUM policies have a 24-month limitation on mental nervous conditions and self-reported musculoskeletal conditions. Starting your claim properly could mean proving and providing documentation to support all your disabilities to avoid the 24-month limitation.