Invalid Claims Defined

• Invalid claims, be they against an insurance policy or social assistance program, are ultimately defined as claims that the governing body refuses to issue a payment on. In many instances of invalid insurance claims, the claim itself is invalidated due to the claimant misunderstanding some aspect of the policy's coverage. Invalid social assistance claims generally have to do with factual errors or omissions on the initial claim, but changes in the employment circumstances of a claimant also impact his ability to claim social assistance.
  
  

Avoiding Invalid Insurance Claims

• Making an invalid insurance claim in error is an easily preventable problem. The onus is on policyholders to fully comprehend the level of coverage offered by their particular policies. Often, the best way to build a deep understanding of the policy is to read all the fine print, while jotting down a list of the risks covered by the insurance policy. Better still, the consumer can write a list of coverage types he requires based upon likely problems in his area before purchasing a policy. Taking a list of policy requirements to the insurance agent will ensure that the policy is more likely to cover all the bases than a general policy, thus preventing invalid insurance claims. If a consumer feels that the policy should have covered something that the company claims the policy does not, litigation remains an option of final resort.
  
  

Preventing Invalid Social Assistance Claims

• The lion's share of invalid social assistance claims have to do with either unreported income or failure to meet jobseeking requirements as listed in the social assistance documentation relating to the particular program the citizen is using. When applying for social assistance, thoroughly read all application documents, noting personal obligations that are requirements of program participation, and ensure that forms are filled out honestly. Some types of claims require a verification by a professional. For example, disability claims generally require an authenticating letter provided by a doctor.
  
  

Accurate Disclosure and Preventing Invalid Claims

• The old adage "honesty is the best policy" holds true when it comes to preventing invalid claims, both against insurance policies and from social assistance programs. Often there is a temptation to take liberties with facts when asked highly personal questions, but applying for insurance coverage or requesting social assistance under false pretenses is not only often ineffective, but can sometimes have legal ramifications. In extreme cases, falsified claims can lead to fraud charges and subsequent jail time. When filling out paperwork, remember that the administrative clerks entrusted with sensitive personal information are almost always bound by the terms of their employment to keep client information confidential, so there is no reason to embellish facts.