Esteemed Disability Lawyers For The Standard Company Disability Serving Massachusetts
Disability insurance is a crucial component of any employee benefits package, offering financial protection for individuals who become unable to work due to illness or injury. While Massachusetts does not have a state-mandated short-term disability insurance program like New York, many employers choose to offer private disability insurance options to their employees, and one of the leading providers of such coverage is The Standard. If you are filing a claim against The Standard, contact The Standard Company Disability Lawyer in Massachusetts to speak with someone who can help.
The Standard Insurance Company offers comprehensive short-term and long-term disability insurance plans in Massachusetts, helping employers provide critical income replacement benefits to their workforce. However, many people can run into issues with The Standard and their compensation policies.
Overview of Disability Insurance in Massachusetts
Unlike states such as New York or California, Massachusetts does not require private employers to provide short-term disability insurance to their employees. However, many employers choose to offer disability insurance as part of their benefits package to attract and retain employees, particularly in industries where competitive benefits are important.
For Massachusetts residents, there are two main types of disability insurance commonly offered by employers:
- Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
The Standard’s Short-Term Disability Insurance
Short-term disability (STD) insurance is designed to replace a portion of an employee’s income if they are temporarily unable to work due to an illness, injury, or other medical condition not related to their job. The Standard offers flexible STD policies that can be customized to meet the needs of both employers and employees in Massachusetts.
Key Features of The Standard’s Short-Term Disability Insurance:
- Income Replacement: STD policies typically provide 40% to 70% of an employee’s weekly salary. The exact percentage depends on the policy selected by the employer.
- Benefit Duration: Benefits are generally paid for up to 13 or 26 weeks, depending on the terms of the policy. Some employers may opt for extended coverage.
- Elimination Period: There is usually a waiting period (commonly 7 to 14 days) after the disability begins before benefits are paid.
- Coverage Flexibility: Employers can choose to enhance the standard benefit offerings, tailoring the policy to suit the specific needs of their workforce.
The Standard’s Long-Term Disability Insurance
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides extended income replacement if an employee is unable to work for a longer period due to a more serious illness, injury, or disability. The Standard’s LTD policies are designed to offer employees continued financial support after their short-term disability benefits expire. The Standard Company Disability attorney in Massachusetts can help you identify the logistics of your policy and bring clarity to your questions.
Key Features of The Standard’s Long-Term Disability Insurance:
- Income Replacement: LTD policies typically replace 50% to 70% of an employee’s pre-disability earnings, helping employees manage their finances during extended periods of disability.
- Benefit Duration: Long-term disability benefits can continue for several years, up until the employee reaches retirement age or is able to return to work.
- Elimination Period: There is usually an elimination period of 90 to 180 days after the onset of disability, which aligns with the exhaustion of short-term disability benefits.
- Rehabilitation Support: The Standard offers return-to-work programs and rehabilitation assistance to help employees get back to work when they are able.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers in Massachusetts who choose to offer disability insurance through The Standard Insurance Company are responsible for administering the benefits to their employees. This includes:
- Policy Selection: Employers work with The Standard to select the appropriate disability insurance policies based on the needs of their employees.
- Enrollment: Employers must ensure that employees are properly enrolled in the disability insurance plan, which may be offered as part of a broader benefits package.
- Premium Payments: Employers are responsible for paying the premiums for group disability insurance. In some cases, employees may share in the cost through payroll deductions.
Filing a Claim with The Standard in Massachusetts
The process for filing a disability claim with The Standard in Massachusetts is straightforward and can be done online or through paper forms. Here’s how it works:
- Notify Employer: The employee should notify their employer as soon as they become aware that they will be unable to work due to a disabling condition.
- Submit Claim: The employee must complete the appropriate claim forms, which can be accessed online through The Standard’s website or obtained from the employer. These forms typically require information from the employee, their physician, and the employer.
- Claims Review: The Standard will review the claim and, if necessary, request additional medical documentation to support the claim.
- Benefit Payments: Once approved, disability benefits are paid according to the terms of the policy. Payments are typically made via direct deposit or check.
Contact The Standard Company Disability Lawyer in Massachusetts Today
If you or a loved one is fighting a claim denial with The Standard, contact The Standard Company Disability Lawyer in Massachusetts today. You don’t have to fight insurance companies alone. Our dedicated lawyers are ready to assist you.
