How Long Do I Have to Appeal a Disability Denial With The Standard?

If your long-term or short-term disability claim was denied by The Standard Insurance Company, time is not on your side. Disability appeals are governed by strict deadlines, and missing them can permanently bar you from recovering benefits — even if your claim is valid.

Understanding how long you have to appeal a disability denial with The Standard is critical to protecting your rights and preserving your claim.

The Standard’s Disability Appeal Deadline (Most Cases: 180 Days)

In most employer-provided disability policies governed by ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), you typically have 180 days from the date on your denial letter to submit a written appeal to The Standard.

This deadline is not flexible and is calculated from the date listed in the denial letter — not the day you receive it. Once the 180-day appeal window closes, The Standard is generally not required to consider any additional evidence, and you may lose your right to pursue benefits or file a lawsuit.

Why the Appeal Deadline Matters So Much

The appeal stage is often the most important phase of a disability claim because:

• It is usually your last opportunity to submit new evidence
• Courts typically do not allow new evidence later
• The Standard relies heavily on the appeal file if litigation occurs
• Weak or incomplete appeals often lead to permanent denial

If you submit your appeal late — even by one day — your claim may be dismissed entirely.

How to Find Your Exact Appeal Deadline

While 180 days is the most common timeframe, you should always verify your specific deadline by reviewing:

• Your denial letter from The Standard
• The Summary Plan Description (SPD)
• The full insurance policy or plan document
• Some policies — particularly non-ERISA or individual disability policies — may have different timelines.

Can You Ask The Standard for More Time to Appeal?

In limited situations, you may request an extension — but this is not guaranteed, and The Standard is not required to approve it.

Even if an extension is granted:

• It must be confirmed in writing
• You should never rely on verbal assurances
• You are still responsible for submitting a strong, complete appeal

Waiting too long can seriously weaken your position.

What Should Be Included in a Standard Disability Appeal?

Submitting a timely appeal is only part of the process. A strong appeal typically includes:

• Updated medical records and physician opinions
• Functional capacity evaluations
• Vocational or occupational evidence
• Rebuttals to The Standard’s medical or vocational reviewers
• Detailed legal arguments tied to policy language

Appeals that simply restate the original claim or lack supporting evidence are frequently denied again.

What Happens After You File an Appeal With The Standard?

Once your appeal is submitted, The Standard generally has 45 days to review it and issue a decision, with the option to extend the review period by an additional 45 days if special circumstances apply. During this time, The Standard may send your file to in-house or third-party medical reviewers, request clarification from your providers, or analyze whether your medical restrictions align with the policy’s definition of disability. Because this review is based almost entirely on the written record, ensuring your appeal is thorough and well-documented is essential to improving your chances of an approval.

Why You Should Act Quickly After a Denial

The clock starts ticking the moment your denial letter is issued. Waiting too long to act can result in:

• Rushed or incomplete evidence
• Missed medical evaluations
• Lost documentation
• Missed appeal deadlines

Starting early gives you time to build the strongest possible case.

Don’t Miss Your Deadline

Most claimants have only 180 days to appeal a disability denial with The Standard. Missing that deadline can permanently end your claim — regardless of how strong it might be.

If your benefits were denied, reviewing your denial letter and policy terms as soon as possible is critical to protecting your rights. Contact DarrasLaw today to speak with one of our attorneys about your case.