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NFL Player Disability Benefit Claims: What You Need To Know

As a professional NFL player, you risk sustaining injuries that can affect your career and livelihood. Injuries such as concussions, fractures, and spinal cord damage can leave you unable to play football and earn a living. Fortunately, the NFL provides a disability benefit plan for players who suffer career-ending injuries.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on NFL player disability benefit claims. We will discuss the requirements to qualify, the claims process, and the types of benefits available.

Requirements to Qualify for NFL Player Disability Benefits

To be eligible for disability benefits under the NFL player disability plan, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. You must have suffered a football-related injury while playing in the NFL.
  2. Your injury must have occurred while you were under contract with an NFL team.
  3. You must have been unable to play football for at least six months due to your injury.
  4. An NFL-approved physician must have medically cleared you before filing your disability claim.

If you cannot work, you can file a disability claim with the NFL. If you meet these requirements, your application for disability insurance benefits should be approved.

The Claims Process for NFL Player Disability Benefits

Filing a disability claim with the NFL can be a complex and time-consuming process. It is important to follow the proper procedures to ensure that your claim is processed correctly and promptly.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file a disability claim with the NFL:

  1. Notify your team’s medical staff of your injury as soon as possible.
  2. Seek medical attention from an NFL-approved physician.
  3. Obtain medical documentation that supports your disability claim.
  4. Fill out the disability claim application provided by the NFL.
  5. Submit your disability claim application and all supporting documentation to the NFL.

After you submit your disability claim, the NFL will review your application and medical documentation. If your claim is approved, you will receive disability benefits from the NFL.

The Three Different Types of Disability Benefits

There are three types of disability benefits available for NFL players:

  1. Total and Permanent disability benefits,
  2. Line of Duty disability benefits, and
  3. Neurocognitive disability benefits.

Total and Permanent Disability Benefits:

T&P disability benefits are available to NFL players who have suffered a career-ending injury that prevents them from playing football. This type of benefit provides monthly payments based on the player’s disability rating.

The NFL’s retirement board review determines a player’s rating. The retirement board evaluates the player’s medical records and assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the injury. The player will also receive coverage for medical expenses related to the football-related injury.

Line of Duty Disability Benefits:

Line of Duty disability benefits are available to NFL players who have suffered a permanent and disabling injury while playing football. This type of benefit provides monthly payments that are based on the player’s disability rating. The player will also receive coverage for medical expenses related to the football-related injury.

Neurocognitive Disability Benefits:

Neurocognitive disability benefits are available to NFL players who have suffered a neurocognitive injury, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury while playing football. This type of benefit provides monthly payments that are based on the player’s disability rating. The player will also receive coverage for medical expenses related to the neurocognitive injury.

Benefits of NFL Player Disability Benefits

If your NFL player disability benefit claim is approved, you can expect to receive the following benefits:

  1. Tax-free monthly disability payments.
  2. Coverage for medical expenses related to your football-related injury.
  3. Life insurance coverage.

The amount of your disability payments will depend on your disability rating, which is determined by the NFL’s retirement board. The retirement board will evaluate your medical records and assign a disability rating based on the severity of your injury.

Get Help with Your NFL Disability Benefit Claim

As an NFL player, your livelihood is at risk of being affected by injuries sustained while playing football. However, the NFL provides disability benefits to players who suffer career-ending injuries. Following the claims process outlined in this article can increase your chances of receiving disability benefits from the NFL.

We hope this article has provided valuable information on NFL player disability benefit claims. If you have trouble getting your NFL disability benefits approved, contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation. We can help you:

  1. Ensure your disability claim is properly classified and paid accordingly
  2. Appeal a denied NFL disability claim
  3. File a lawsuit

We help NFL athletes who were injured on the field or in practice get the disability benefits they deserve. If your disability claim has been misclassified or you have been denied benefits, don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us at 888-321-8131 or contact us online to discuss your case.

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