[header] How to apply for long term disability benefits [title] Read your policy. [step] If you have a private long-term disability policy and you've become disabled, your policy documents will explain the process for applying for benefits. [substeps] Your policy specifies the disabilities that are covered by your policy as well as how to file a claim. 
Make sure you are already seeing a doctor before you apply for benefits, since the insurance company will want proof of your disability and will need to review your medical records and discuss your impairment with your doctor. Look for the plan's definition of disability.