|
Back to top
Q. How do I file a claim?
To notify us of a disability income protection claim, we will need to receive a completed claim form. If you purchased an individual policy (not through your employer), call us for a claim form (800-635-5597) or you can access our website, unum.com for instructions on how to obtain claim forms. The claim forms include everything you will need to submit a claim, including sections for you and your doctor to complete, and an authorization form that enables us to gather additional information as it becomes necessary.
Back to top
Q. Who will review my claim?
Once we receive your completed claim form, you will be provided with direct access to a Disability Benefits Specialist who will personally handle your needs. This contact, an individual trained in your specific type of disability, will evaluate the full nature and potential length of your time away from work, will arrange payment of the financial benefits that may be due to you, and will begin working with you toward your recovery and return-to-work goals, as appropriate.
Back to top
Q. Is anyone else involved in the review process?
When appropriate, your Disability Benefits Specialist will call or send a written request to your attending physician to better understand your condition and your potential for recovery. Our physicians, nurses and case managers support our Disability Benefits Specialists and may also be in touch with your doctor. These professionals may provide review of the medical, occupational and rehabilitative information for your claim.
Back to top
Q. When will I know about my benefits?
Within five days of your claims assignment to a Disability Benefits Specialist, your specialist will contact you. With some conditions, such as standard maternity leave or a recovery following a routine surgery, your benefits may begin almost immediately. If your medical condition is more complicated, we may require additional medical information to better understand your claim. Depending on how quickly we receive the additional information, your benefits determination could take longer. In such a case, your Disability Benefits Specialist will provide you with a written update on the status of your claim request at a minimum of every 30 days until decided. Our goal is always to provide a decision as quickly as possible. Your prompt response to requests for information about your claim will help us serve you better and ensure that you receive payments in a timely manner.
Back to top
Q. What if I have questions about my claim?
During your first conversation with your Unum Disability Benefits Specialist, you will receive a toll-free number that you can use whenever you need to reach him or her with questions or concerns about your claim. You can also access our website, unum.com, for questions.
Back to top
Q. What happens if I disagree with Unum's decision on my claim?
Our claims process is designed to ensure that your claim receives thorough, fair and objective evaluation. In addition, numerous safeguards are in place throughout the process to ensure the integrity of decisions that result from our evaluation. If we determine that benefits are not payable either in whole or in part, you may appeal the decision by requesting a separate, impartial review from our Appeals Unit.
Back to top
Q. Where can I find my benefit amount and benefit period?
A. You will find this information noted on the front page of your Policy Schedule.
Q. What is an Elimination Period?
A. The elimination period applies to a claim filed for a disability and is simply the number of days that the insured must be disabled before benefits become payable. You will not be paid for these days. Your elimination period is shown on the front page of the Policy Schedule.
Q. What should I do if I have not received my check?
A. You may call our Contact Center at 1-800-635-5597 to inquire about the status of your check and the address to which it was mailed. If the address is correct, please allow 10 business days from the date of issue for the check to be delivered. If a check is inadvertently mailed to the wrong address, the check will be stopped and reissued immediately. If the address is correct, but the check is not received within 10 business days, ask to speak to your Benefit Specialist.
Q. Are my benefits taxable?
A. No, your benefits are not taxable. Your policy premiums are deducted from your paycheck after your taxes have been deducted; therefore, the benefits cannot be taxed.
Q. Where would I find a copy of my disability policy?
A. You may contact our call center at the toll free # 800-635-5597 and request the Policy Services Department. Be ready to provide your policy number or social security number as this information is used to locate your policy information.
Q. I have more than one policy with Unum. Can the premiums for each of my policies be deducted from my benefit payment?
A. No. The only premiums that can be deducted from your benefit check are the premiums for the policy in which benefits are being paid. You will need to contact Policy Services to arrange a payment method for premiums due for additional policies.
Back to top |