Bipolar disorder and disability benefits claims

Bipolar Disorder and SSDI

Bipolar disorder – sometimes known as “manic depression” – is a disorder of the brain. People with this disorder will often experience extreme shifts in levels of activity, mood and energy. Such extremes are referred to as manic and depressive episodes. Out of all bipolar disorder cases, 83% are classified as severe. Most cases of…

Successful Return-to-Work Program Design

Successful Return-to-Work Program Design for Behavioral Health Conditions (Part I)

Prior to the pandemic, the United States saw a decades-long epidemic of “diseases of despair” with increasing rates of depression, suicide, addiction and overdose deaths. Mental health and substance use issues—and the economic and human costs of those conditions—were a focus for employers. Then came the pandemic. Rates of anxiety and depression tripled and remain…

Building a resilient workforce during periods of adversity

Building a Resilient Workforce During Periods of Adversity

By Tracey Ferstler, PhD, Head of Return to Health, Global Claims, MetLife   COVID turned the world as we know it upside down, and people who work in and around absence management and disability insurance are looking for answers on what’s next.  Will we return to normal or is this our new normal?  What is unique…

Man drills working on home project while dog watches

Check Your DI Before You DIY

Have you found yourself taking on a Do-It-Yourself project lately? Whether you’re painting a wall, replacing a kitchen counter top, or repairing the deck outside, you’re not alone. Millions of people working at home these days have started DIY projects.   Empty lumber shelves and back-orders for appliances in local and big box stores nationwide…

Protecting Your Future with Disability Insurance

Author: Phil Bruen, vice president, Life & Disability, Group Benefits, MetLife The impact of COVID-19 on the workforce has only reinforced the importance of leave and the value of income protection offered through disability insurance. Many workers are without jobs or having their hours reduced, so employees are justifiably anxious about the pandemic’s economic effect…

Clarifying the Connection between Short-Term Disability & COVID-19

By Diane Russell, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Consumer Strategy   There has been plenty of confusion related to COVID-19 around the country. Working remotely, schooling at home, shelter-in-place, social distancing and other factors have created a situation none of us could have planned for. As head of Marketing & Consumer Strategy for Lincoln…

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

Ask Me Anything about Social Security Disability Insurance

As the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 altered how we work, live and move about our communities, Americans started sending an increasing number of questions to The Council for Disability Awareness about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). We turned to one of our member company experts – Ted Norwood of Integrated Benefits, Inc.…

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

Helping Business Owners Prepare for Uncertain Times

When the unexpected, such as an injury or illness, suddenly occurs, small business owners may be greatly affected, both personally and professionally. Think about the investment you’ve made in your business. Chances are, it’s not simply a business to you, but rather, your life’s work.   For many business and practice owners, their business provides…

What’s considered a disability? 10 causes every HR leader should know

When most people consider disability, they picture something catastrophic happening—an injury on the ski slope, or a speeding car hurtling into theirs—and, for the most part assume it can never happen to them. That’s why human resources experts often find it challenging to convince their employees of the importance of disability insurance even though you…