Understanding "Own Occupation" Benefits Under ERISA Disability Insurance

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Welcome to Season 5, Episode 26 of Winning Isn't Easy. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Understanding "Own Occupation" Benefits Under ERISA Disability Insurance."

“Own Occupation” and “Any Occupation” might sound like simple terms - but in the world of Long-Term Disability insurance, they can make or break your claim. In today’s episode, disability law expert Nancy L. Cavey unpacks one of the most misunderstood but critical distinctions in disability policies: how your occupation is defined. If you’ve ever had to read a disability policy - or worse, file a claim - you know these definitions aren’t just legal jargon. They determine whether you’ll receive benefits when you can’t work in your specialized field, or whether an insurer can cut you off by arguing you could work in any other job, even one far outside your training, experience, or pay grade. Nancy breaks it all down: what “own occupation” and “any occupation” really mean, how these definitions can shift over time in an ERISA plan, and why understanding them early can be the key to protecting your income. You’ll learn the secrets to securing your own occupation disability benefits, common pitfalls that lead to denials, and specific strategies for those facing psychiatric disability claims - where insurers often push hardest to reclassify your case. Whether you’re just reviewing your coverage, preparing to file, or already battling a denial, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to help you navigate the fine print and fight for the benefits you deserve. Let’s get started.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Own Occupation vs. Any Occupation – What’s the Difference?

Two - The Secret to Getting Your Own Occupation ERISA Disability Benefits

Three - Tips for Preventing a Denial of Own Occupation Psychiatric Disability Insurance Claims

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mind

LINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

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Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.