Disability Cover ReviewPolicy Library & Claims Reference

The definition decides the claim

Ten policy structures, fourteen occupation profiles, twelve state programs and the benefit arithmetic behind each — so you can see what actually pays before you sign.

Quick paths: Policy Types Occupations State Programs Insurers

Core collections

Every collection is a self-contained reference set with its own document register.

10 Policy Types Disability contract structures compared by definition of disability, benefit period and elimination period — the three… Browse register → 14 Occupations How insurers classify common professions: risk class, typical premium and whether own-occupation coverage is realistically available. Browse register → 12 State Programs State disability programs, paid family leave and mandatory coverage rules — what is already provided before… Browse register → 10 Insurers Disability carriers compared on financial strength, own-occupation availability, maximum benefit and claims reputation. Browse register → 10 Benefit Scenarios Worked examples: income, existing group cover, the gap left behind and what closing it costs per… Browse register → 6 Condition Claim Guides How specific diagnoses are actually evaluated for disability claims — the objective evidence insurers look for… Browse register → 5 Benefit Calculations The arithmetic behind the monthly check — replacement ratios, the taxed-vs-untaxed difference, bonus and commission treatment,… Browse register → 5 Employer Plan Guides Group disability coverage decoded — what the employer-paid plan really pays, the taxable-benefit trap, and the… Browse register → 5 SSDI vs Private How Social Security disability interacts with private coverage — offsets, the 5-month wait, approval rates and… Browse register → 6 Claim Process Guides Step-by-step claim navigation — the first-notice call, attending physician statements, IMEs, surveillance reality and the appeal… Browse register →

Recently updated documents

Filter as you type - the register narrows live.

Doc no.TitleUpdated
POL-2930Individual Modified Own-Occupation: Definition, Benefit Period & Cost Explained
POL-2931Individual Any-Occupation: Definition, Benefit Period & Cost Explained
POL-2932Group Long-Term Disability: Definition, Benefit Period & Cost Explained
POL-2933Short-Term Disability: Definition, Benefit Period & Cost Explained
OCC-2951Disability Insurance for Physical therapists: Risk Class, Cost & Definitions
OCC-2952Disability Insurance for Construction managers: Risk Class, Cost & Definitions
OCC-2941Disability Insurance for Software engineers: Risk Class, Cost & Definitions
OCC-2942Disability Insurance for Registered nurses: Risk Class, Cost & Definitions
STA-2954New York Disability Benefits and Private Cover: How They Coordinate
STA-2955New Jersey Disability Benefits and Private Cover: How They Coordinate
STA-2956Rhode Island Disability Benefits and Private Cover: How They Coordinate
STA-2957Hawaii Disability Benefits and Private Cover: How They Coordinate

The claim process, step by step

What happens at each stage, the documents you need and the timelines that apply.

All process guides →
  1. Step 1

    Appeal after denial: Deadlines, Tactics and Common Mistakes

    Appeal after denial: deadline — 180 days from denial (erisa group plans). Key move: lawyer before the appeal, not after.

  2. Step 2

    Surveillance reality: Deadlines, Tactics and Common Mistakes

    Surveillance reality: deadline — any time during claim. Key move: assume every public outing is recorded.

  3. Step 3

    Independent medical examination: Deadlines, Tactics and Common Mistakes

    Independent medical examination: deadline — carrier-scheduled. Key move: attend, answer only what is asked.

  4. Step 4

    Ongoing proof of loss: Deadlines, Tactics and Common Mistakes

    Ongoing proof of loss: deadline — monthly or quarterly. Key move: calendar the deadlines yourself.

  5. Step 5

    Attending physician statement: Deadlines, Tactics and Common Mistakes

    Attending physician statement: deadline — per carrier, typically 30–45 days. Key move: brief your doctor before they fill it.

  6. Step 6

    First notice of claim: Deadlines, Tactics and Common Mistakes

    First notice of claim: deadline — within 30 days of disability (per policy). Key move: call, then everything in writing.

Case files

Worked examples: the facts, the rule that applied, the analysis and the outcome.

Reference desk FAQ

What is own-occupation disability insurance?
It pays when you cannot perform the duties of your own profession — even if you retrain and work elsewhere. It is the most protective definition available.
How much of my income can I insure?
Usually 50–70% of gross income, reduced by any group benefit you already receive.
Is employer-provided cover enough?
Rarely. Group plans are taxable, cap at 60% and usually shift to an any-occupation definition after 24 months.

Research briefs

All briefs →