Question
Is applying for Social Security disability a mandatory requirement?
I am on long term disability, funded by my employer. (I have an aggressive form of cancer for which there is currently no cure). I recently received a letter from a company indicating that I may be eligible for social security disability and they want my permission to pursue this claim - and they sent in some forms for me to sign. Question: Is applying for social security mandatory? (My understanding is that this is optional - as I am on my employer's plan for disability).
Answer
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Most employer provided disability insurance policies require you to apply for ssdi benefits, otherwise the disability insurance company may offset the estimated SSDI payment. You can do it on your own and don't need to use the disability insurance companies preferred ssdi vendor. As long as you show that you have filed, then the disability insurance company will leave you alone. You can take your time submitting the required documents once you submit your application online. The disability company will offset your monthly benefit by the amount of your SSDI payment so no rush. In some situations our law firm will assist in the application for ssdi benefits.
