Speed Up Your Disability Claim: 5 Tips That Work Fast
Author: Colonial Life
Published: 2011/07/25 - Updated: 2026/02/03
Publication Type: Instructive / Helpful
Category Topic: Insurance - Related Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information provides practical guidance from Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company on accelerating disability claim processing. The material draws authority from an insurer that processes nearly 250,000 disability claims annually and paid over $170 million in benefits in 2010. These five actionable steps - filing immediately, submitting HIPAA authorization forms, providing medical documentation, coordinating with physicians, and ensuring complete claim forms - address common bottlenecks that delay payments. For people with disabilities who face sudden income loss, these strategies can mean the difference between timely bill payments and financial hardship. The advice proves particularly valuable for anyone navigating the often-confusing insurance claims process during what is typically a stressful period of medical recovery or adjustment to new limitations - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Ways to Speed Your Disability Claim
Get faster payment with these simple tips from Colonial Life.
Time is money when you're waiting on a disability claim. Getting your claim resolved quickly after your paycheck stops coming helps you pay your bills on time and keep your creditors at bay.
Main Content
To make sure you get your disability claim resolved as soon as possible, Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company offers five simple tips to speed up the process.
1 - File your claim as soon as possible.
Doing so lets your insurance company start the review process right away and can speed up any potential payment.
2 - Give your insurer a signed HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) authorization form at the same time you file your claim.
The HIPAA form, which is provided by your insurance company, helps protect your privacy and gives the insurer permission to review your medical records. Submitting this form when you first file your claim allows your insurance company to obtain the medical information it needs to resolve your claim quickly.
3 - Make copies of any medical paperwork related to your disability and send it in.
Paperwork from doctor visits, emergency rooms and other types of medical information helps your insurer determine the extent of your condition and project how long you might be out of work. Providing this information when you file your claim saves time so your insurance company has everything it needs to make a decision.
4 - Tell your doctor you're filing a disability claim.
Check to make sure your doctor's office gives the insurance company the information it needs to help resolve your claim. You'll avoid a possible delay if your physician's office knows what they need to provide and that a prompt response is important.
5 - Make sure your claim form is complete.
Any missing information can stall the process. Having your doctor and employer complete their sections of the claim form will help avoid delays.
"Most people need their money quickly when they file a disability claim, but they don't realize they can influence the process," says Jim Mayfield, director of claims systems and special services for Colonial Life. "With just a few simple steps, policyholders can help their insurance company make a faster payment."
About Colonial Life
Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company is a market leader in providing insurance benefits for employees and their families through the workplace, along with individual benefits education, advanced yet simple-to-use enrollment technology and quality personal service. Colonial Life offers disability, life and supplemental accident and health insurance policies in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Similar policies, if approved, are underwritten in New York by a Colonial Life affiliate, The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company, Worcester, Mass. Colonial Life is based in Columbia, S.C., and is a subsidiary of Unum Group.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While disability claims can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with health challenges, understanding the process gives you real control over the timeline. The reality is that most delays stem from incomplete paperwork or missing authorizations rather than complex policy issues. Taking an hour to gather medical records, verify your doctor's office knows what's needed, and double-check every field on your claim form can shave weeks off the approval process. When your paycheck stops but your bills don't, that kind of time savings isn't just convenient - it's essential to maintaining stability during recovery - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Colonial Life and published on 2011/07/25, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.