Yes, volunteering can affect your long-term disability (LTD) insurance claim. Even unpaid work might suggest that you are capable of performing job-related tasks. This could jeopardize your benefits. Before volunteering, it’s important to understand the risks and speak with your doctor.
How Insurance Companies View Volunteering
When you’re approved for LTD benefits, it’s because you’ve proven that you’re unable to work. This means you cannot perform the duties of your occupation — or in some cases, any occupation — due to your medical condition. However, insurance companies are always on the lookout for anything that suggests you might be capable of working. Volunteering can sometimes trigger closer scrutiny.
If you volunteer in a strenuous role, the insurance company may argue that you’re also able to work. For example, stocking shelves at a food bank or walking dogs at a shelter could raise questions. Even tasks that seem less laborious, like answering phones or working on a computer might be an issue. The insurer may see these activities as evidence that you can perform sedentary work.
Factors That Could Affect Your Claim
Insurance companies consider several factors when evaluating whether your volunteer work could impact your LTD benefits:
- Nature of the Activities: What tasks are you performing? Are they physically or mentally demanding?
- Hours Committed: How much time are you spending volunteering each week?
- Skills Used: Are you using skills that overlap with your prior occupation?
- Public Visibility: Is your volunteer work public, or are you in a more private role?
Even a few hours of volunteering could give an insurer a reason to question whether your disability truly prevents you from working.
Should You Avoid Volunteering?
Not necessarily. Volunteering can be a meaningful way to stay connected and active during a difficult time. However, it’s important to be cautious. Before you start volunteering, you should:
- Review your LTD policy to understand how it defines “disability” and any restrictions on activities.
- Talk to your doctor to ensure the activities you’re considering are within your medical restrictions.
- Keep detailed records of any volunteer work, including hours worked and the nature of your duties.
The Bottom Line
Volunteering, while admirable, can complicate your long-term disability insurance claim if you’re not careful. If your insurance company has already challenged your claim, it may be a good idea to consult a disability attorney for guidance.
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we help individuals protect their rights and their benefits. If your claim has been denied because of volunteering — we’re here to help you understand your options. Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
