Disability Insurance FAQs

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about disability insurance.

We’re dedicated to helping individuals manage their disability absences. And along the way, we’ve been asked a lot of questions. We’ve compiled a list of those that are most commonly asked and answered them here.

Who can submit a disability claim?

You, your supervisor, or your Human Resources representative, your family member, or your lawful representative can initiate a disability claim.

How do I submit a disability claim?

The fastest and best way to submit a disability claim is online. You can also submit a claim by phone, fax, or mail. For more information, visit Filing a Claim.

Where can I go to review my claim?

Once your claim is submitted, you can review the status of your disability claim at myNYLGBS.com. In addition to viewing the status of your claim, you can also view payment information, upload documents, etc. This is the fastest and easiest method to stay informed of the status of your disability claim.

What happens when my disability claim is approved with a return-to-work date?

The claim manager will contact you and your employer to notify you both of the approval and the expected return-to-work date.

When and how will I get paid?

If your disability claim has been approved, you will receive an approval letter. The letter will inform you of the amount you will be paid, the frequency of the payments, and how you will receive payments.

What can I do if my claim is denied?

You have 180 days to appeal a disability denial. This amount of time for appeal is required by federal regulations (if the plan is covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, also known as ERISA). Your disability claim manager will also tell your employer that the claim has been denied.

Even if your disability claim is denied, you may be eligible for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or other leave and benefits under state laws or company policies. You should contact your Human Resources department for more information.

Appeal the denial decision in writing by sending your appeal letter to the address that appears in the letter informing you of the denial.

• Your appeal letter may include written comments and any new information you have.
• In addition to your letter, you may submit information that may include medical records from your doctor and/or hospital, test results, or therapy notes. These medical records should cover the period of the start of your medical treatment through the end date (or the present date if medical treatment continues).

 

I want to return to work tomorrow, but I don’t have a work release. What should I do?

Call your disability claim manager to discuss it. The claim manager will confirm whether a formal work release is required and will support you in your return-to-work efforts.

If my claim is denied, am I still eligible to use other programs and services that are part of my disability plan?

Yes. New York Life Group Benefit Solutions offers a variety of programs and services as part of the disability plan—and you don’t need to have an approved disability claim to use them. See the Work Wellness section for more information.

What resources does New York Life Group Benefit Solutions provide to help me return to work?

If you have concerns about returning to work, you should discuss them with your claim manager. New York Life Group Benefit Solutions has a variety of resources available to assist you, depending on your particular situation and your employer’s return-to-work program. For more information, visit Returning to Work.

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