What Aflac disability claims are and who files them
Aflac is a private insurance company, not a government program. If you have an Aflac disability policy through your employer or bought one yourself, you file a claim directly with Aflac when you become unable to work due to illness or injury. This is separate from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — those are government programs with their own process process.
Aflac policies typically replace a portion of your income while you cannot work. The amount and length of coverage depend on the specific policy your employer chose or the plan you purchased. Because Aflac is a private insurer, their rules, timelines, and required documents differ from government disability programs.
If you arrived here from information about disability lawyers, you may be wondering whether you need legal help with an Aflac claim. Most Aflac claims do not require a lawyer — the process is usually straightforward. A lawyer becomes relevant only if Aflac denies your claim and you want to appeal or if the claim involves a complex dispute.
Key Takeaways
- Aflac is a private insurance company, and filing a claim with them is different from explore for government disability benefits like SSDI.
- You must notify Aflac within the timeframe stated in your policy — usually 30 to 90 days after your disability begins — or you may lose the right to file.
- Aflac will ask for medical documentation from your doctor proving you cannot work, so contact your healthcare provider early in the process.
- Most Aflac claims are approved or denied within 30 to 60 days, and you can appeal a denial through Aflac's internal review process before considering legal action.
How to start an Aflac disability claim
Contact Aflac directly as soon as you know you will be unable to work. You can reach them by phone, through their website, or by visiting a local Aflac agent if you bought your policy that way. Have your policy number ready — you will find it on your insurance card or in any paperwork Aflac sent you.
Tell Aflac the date your disability began and ask them to send you a claim form. They will mail or email you the official disability claim form, which is the document you must complete and return. Some employers also have Aflac representatives on-site who can hand you the form in person.
Read the form carefully and note the important date for returning it. Most Aflac policies require you to submit the claim within 30 to 90 days of the date you became disabled, though this varies by policy. Missing this important date can result in denial, so mark the date on your calendar.
What documents Aflac needs from you
Aflac requires medical proof that you cannot work. This typically means a statement from your doctor on their letterhead that describes your condition, when it started, and why it prevents you from working. The doctor should also estimate how long the disability will last.
You will also need to provide your recent pay stubs or tax returns so Aflac can verify your income — this determines how much of your income they will replace. If you are self-employed, bring two years of tax returns. Bring any other documents Aflac lists on the claim form, which might include employment records or a list of medications.
Contact your doctor's office before you submit the claim and ask them to prepare the medical statement. This can take one to two weeks, so do not wait until the last day of your important date. Aflac may contact your doctor directly to verify information, so make sure your doctor has your permission to share medical details with the insurance company.
The timeline from claim to decision
Once you submit a complete claim with all required documents, Aflac typically makes a decision within 30 to 60 days. During this time, they review your medical records, verify your income, and confirm that your policy was active when your disability began.
Aflac will notify you in writing whether your claim is approved, denied, or approved with conditions. If approved, they will tell you when payments begin and how much you will receive each month. If denied, the letter will explain the reason — for example, that your condition does not meet the policy's definition of disability, or that you did not submit required documents.
Some policies include a waiting period before payments start, typically 7 to 14 days after your disability begins. Check your policy documents to see whether this applies to you.
What happens if Aflac denies your claim
If Aflac denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. Aflac's denial letter will explain how to request an internal review and the important date for doing so — usually 30 to 60 days. To appeal, write to Aflac with new information or clarification about why you believe the denial was wrong.
Common reasons for denial include incomplete medical documentation, a gap between when your disability began and when you filed the claim, or a condition that does not meet your policy's definition of disability. If the reason is incomplete documentation, ask your doctor to provide more detail and resubmit.
If Aflac denies your appeal, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or, in some cases, pursue legal action. This is when a lawyer who handles insurance disputes becomes useful — they can review your policy, the denial letter, and your medical records to determine whether Aflac made an error.
The difference between Aflac and government disability programs
Aflac is private insurance that you or your employer pay for through premiums. Government programs like SSDI and SSI are funded by taxes and have strict rules about income and assets. You can receive both Aflac benefits and SSDI at the same time — they do not conflict.
Aflac typically pays faster than SSDI (30 to 60 days versus several months), but Aflac benefits are usually temporary and replace only part of your income. SSDI, by contrast, can continue for years and includes Medicare may be able to access after 24 months. Many people file for both because they serve different purposes.
If you are also pursuing SSDI, keep Aflac informed of your SSDI process and any decisions. Some Aflac policies include language about coordinating benefits, meaning Aflac may reduce your payment if you receive SSDI. Your Aflac claim and SSDI process are separate processes with different timelines and requirements.
When to consider talking to a lawyer about your Aflac claim
You do not need a lawyer to file an initial Aflac claim or to appeal a denial — both are processes you can handle yourself. A lawyer becomes relevant if Aflac denies your appeal and you believe the denial was wrong, or if the amount they are offering is significantly less than what your policy promises.
Look for a lawyer who handles insurance disputes or bad faith claims, not a disability benefits lawyer (who typically handles SSDI cases). Some lawyers offer a free initial consultation to review your denial letter and policy. They can tell you whether you have a case worth pursuing and what it might cost.
Keep in mind that pursuing a lawsuit against an insurance company is expensive and time-consuming. Many people settle for less than they hoped rather than go to trial. Before hiring a lawyer, ask them to estimate the cost and the likelihood of success based on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an Aflac claim if I do not have an active policy?
No. Your policy must have been active on the date your disability began. If your coverage lapsed or was cancelled before you became disabled, Aflac will deny the claim. Check your policy documents to confirm the coverage dates.
What if my doctor will not provide the medical statement Aflac needs?
Ask your doctor's office in writing why they are refusing. If they cite cost, ask whether they charge a fee for medical statements and offer to pay it. If they refuse for other reasons, you can request your medical records and submit them to Aflac directly, though a doctor's statement is usually stronger evidence.
Does filing an Aflac claim affect my SSDI process?
No, they are separate processes. However, if you receive SSDI, your Aflac payments may be reduced depending on your policy's coordination of benefits clause. Read your policy or ask Aflac whether this applies to you.
How long do Aflac disability benefits last?
This depends entirely on your policy. Some policies pay for a few months, others for up to two years or until age 65. Check your policy documents or call Aflac to find out your specific benefit period.
Can Aflac cancel my policy while I am receiving disability benefits?
Aflac cannot cancel your policy because you filed a claim, but they can cancel it if you stop paying premiums. If you are receiving disability benefits, confirm with Aflac whether your premiums are still due and, if so, how to pay them while you are unable to work.