How to Appeal Letters for Dates in Short-Term Disability

Short-term disability provides payments to individuals who are unable to work due to a handicap that is expected to last less than one year. It is typically approved for a certain time frame (such as three months). Short-term disability insurance is provided by employers or may be purchased through private insurance companies, such as Aflac or Aetna. The Social Security Administration does not provide short-term disability benefits. If you are still unable to work after the allotted time runs out, you may submit an appeal letter to request an extension of benefits.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your short-term disability provider to obtain exact instructions for requesting an extension and/or filing an appeal for short-term disability benefits. In many cases, you will be required to submit a letter, supporting documentation and specific forms.

• 2

  Compose an appeal letter. This letter should include your full name, address, phone number and should explicitly state your request for an appeal or extension, providing specific reasons for the request. This letter should also include the date that you are writing the letter. The closing of the letter should include your printed name and signature.

• 3

  Gather all supporting documentation for the appeal. This supporting documentation should include medical records that provide clear evidence that you are still unable to work.

• 4

  Submit your appeal letter, supporting documentation and any other required forms per instructions of the short-term disability provider prior to the submission deadline. You should make a copy of all submitted materials. If possible, you should obtain some type of verification of submission, such as getting copies date-stamped if hand-delivered, sending the materials via certified mail or getting a transmission confirmation if the materials are faxed.