How Remote Work Arrangements Affect Long-Term Disability Claims in the Tech Industry

The rise of remote work, propelled by advancements in technology and accelerated by global events, has transformed the tech industry. Once tethered to physical offices, tech professionals now communicate and collaborate from home offices, often halfway around the world. While this shift has redefined workplace dynamics and flexibility, it has also introduced unique challenges in how long-term disability (LTD) claims are handled within the tech industry. Bartolic Law is well-equipped to assist tech professionals in understanding their LTD policies and navigating the claims process.

The Prevalence of Remote Work in the Tech Sector

Tech companies were early adopters of remote work policies. With access to digital tools like Slack, Zoom, and cloud platforms, their workforce became a natural fit for work-from-home models. Studies show that as of 2025, over 70% of tech workers have embraced partial or full-time remote work arrangements. While this flexibility has many advantages, it also affects how workplace-related disabilities are assessed, managed, and claimed.  

The Challenges Remote Work Brings to LTD Claims

Remote work blurs the lines between personal and professional environments, making LTD claims more complex. Employers and employees alike must now address new considerations that traditional office setups did not entail.  

1. Understanding Workplace Accommodations

Tech professionals with disabilities may find that working from home creates new challenges for accommodation. Adjustments like specialized chairs or assistive technology devices were previously provided in office environments, but could now become the employee’s responsibility at home, complicating the claim process.  

2. Proving Disability in a Remote Setup

One of the critical factors in LTD claims is demonstrating that an individual cannot perform their job duties due to a disability. Remote work complicates this by changing what job responsibilities entail. For instance:

• A software developer might still be able to code from home despite limitations that would prevent a commute.
• Insurers may argue that the flexibility of remote work reduces the extent to which a disability impairs employment.  

3. Increased Surveillance from Insurers

Insurance providers may resort to surveillance, such as social media monitoring, to assess if claimants are genuinely disabled. Tech employees who work remotely may inadvertently undermine their claims by appearing “more capable” online than their medical records suggest.  

Effective Steps for Navigating Remote Work-related LTD Claims

Employees facing LTD claims under remote work setups should take proactive measures to make their case as robust as possible. Consider the following steps:  

• Document Job Function Changes: Keep a clear record of how remote work has altered job responsibilities or added new challenges due to your disability.  
• Carefully Maintain Medical Records: Regularly update and share treatment plans or functional capacity assessments from your doctors that address remote-specific issues.  
• Understand Policy Definitions: Ensure your LTD policy clarifies whether it evaluates disability according to “own occupation” or “any occupation” criteria under a remote context.  
• Consult a Lawyer: Disability lawyers understand the nuances remote work introduces and can craft a strong appeal against improper denial claims.  

Employers’ Role in Supporting Valid Claims

Employers in the tech sector need to revisit their LTD plans to reflect remote dynamics. Ensuring clarity in job descriptions and adjusting accommodation policies to include remote setups will simplify the claims process and minimize disputes. Proactive communication with employees can also reduce misunderstandings and support smoother transitions for individuals moving to disability leave.  

Protecting Your Rights in a Shifting Workplace

Remote work has reshaped the tech industry and its disability claims. While the flexibility of working from home offers unprecedented opportunities, it also demands careful planning when navigating LTD claims. Understanding how your policy applies, providing clear evidence, and working with an attorney can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful one.  

Need legal support? Bartolic Law turns LTD claims denials into approvals. Contact us to learn how we can help guide you through your claim.