Roadmap - Immediately After Receiving a Diagnosis

Doctor’s Diagnosis: Do you have a doctor’s note excusing you from work permanently? If no, get one immediately. 

FMLA Benefit: Immediately apply for FMLA. Your primary caregiver can also apply for FMLA – recommend choosing the timing of when your caregiver goes on FMLA.  

STD and LTD Benefits: Do you have short-term disability or long-term disability through your employer? If yes, initiate short-term disability. 

SSDI Benefit: Apply for SSDI benefits immediately. This usually takes the longest to get started. 

VA Benefits: Are you a veteran? If you have 90 days of active duty sometime in your life, and then an ALS diagnosis, you are likely eligible for 100% service-rated connection. Please contact the VA immediately as this will be your largest pool of benefits made available to you and your household. 

Life Insurance: Do you have a life insurance policy, either through your employment or private? If so, initiate the following inquiries: 

• Waiver of Premium Rider or Disability Waiver of Premium
  • Ask provider “Given this diagnosis, do I qualify for Waiver of Premium?”
• Accelerated Death Benefit or Terminal Illness Rider
  • Ask provider “Do I qualify for an accelerated death benefit, and what medical paperwork is needed?”

Long-Term Care: Do you have a long-term care insurance policy?