How to Apply for Reliance Standard Disability Benefits & Top 5 Reasons for a Claim Denial

At Dell & Schaefer we’ve handled hundreds of long term disability insurance claims against Reliance Standard, and have learned a few things in the process. When you’re experiencing an injury or illness that makes it difficult (or impossible) to work, it can be tempting to file a claim as quickly as possible – but unless a claimant has all their ducks in a row, this could actually delay the ultimate resolution of the claim. Below are just a few of the tips we’ve discovered when negotiating long term disability insurance benefits with Reliance Standard.

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#1: Medical Support is The Most Important Thing to Obtain a Reliance Standard Disability Approval

The single most important step in securing disability insurance claim approval is medical support from a claimant’s treatment providers. When you’re submitting a claim to Reliance Standard, it’s only as good as it looks on paper – which means there must be objective evidence, preferably medical records and physician statements, that you’re suffering from a condition that leaves you unable to work.

Most medical doctors aren’t prepared for the filter or spin the disability claims representatives will put on their comments. When your doctor is writing notes or filling out your chart, they’re focused on the pathology of your current condition and what will need to happen to get you better. They aren’t likely to provide details on how your condition affects you at work (or at home) or how long it’s likely to last. Because doctors’ notes don’t always line up with the information Reliance Standard is looking for, some otherwise worthy claims may be denied simply because the doctor’s notes don’t have the right verbiage.

#2: Your Treating Doctors Must be Prepared For A Phone Call With Reliance Standard Medical Experts

One way to overcome this common pitfall is to prepare your doctors for a phone call with one of Reliance Standard’s medical experts. Reliance Standard will be looking for direct evidence that your condition prevents you from performing one or more essential aspects of your current position. If your doctor isn’t sure what you do for a living or how much time you spend sitting, standing, lifting objects, or staring at a computer screen, they’re not going to be able to provide a valid opinion on how your condition affects you.

Furthermore, since doctors are busy and not always prompt about returning phone calls, a day or two of unsuccessful phone tag can mean Reliance Standard never hears directly from your doctor. Instead, set up a phone conference at a specific time as part of a medical appointment. This ensures your physician can connect with Reliance Standard and make sure it has a clear picture of what your condition means for you.

It’s also important for treating physicians to be educated on how a claimant’s Reliance Standard policy defines “disability.” For “own-occupation” policies, a claimant can be considered disabled if their condition prevents them from performing their current position. But in an “any-occupation” policy, a claimant will only be disabled if their condition prevents them from holding down any paid employment, which can be a much harder standard to meet.

#3: Occupational Experts Can Be Very Helpful in Establishing your Occupational Duties

“Own-occupation” and “any-occupation” policy definitions aren’t fixed, and many of Reliance Standard’s long term disability policies may begin paying benefits under an “own-occupation” standard and later switch to an “any-occupation” standard (often at the two-year mark). To continue receiving benefits, disability claimants may need to consult an occupational expert who can provide a roadmap to show exactly what the requirements are for a particular job.

#4: Know the Level of Review Your Claim File Will Receive

Reliance Standard can be anything but standard when it comes to reviewing a disability claimant’s file. In some cases, the insurance company will put the claim file through a fairly cursory internal review with a staff nurse or doctor who will recommend approving or denying the claim. Because the reviewer is directly employed by Reliance Standard, they have a vested interest in denying the claim – after all, the fewer long term disability claims Reliance Standard pays, the more profit it earns.

In other situations, Reliance Standard may send a file out for an “independent physician review,” where a physician employed by a different agency performs a review of your file. Because your file is only as good as it looks on paper at this point, it’s important to provide as much relevant information as possible.

#5: Your “Date of Disability” is Important

Determining your official date of disability can be more of a challenge than it may seem. This is even more true if your disability begins to cause problems during the “look-back” period of your long term disability policy. Most policies have a look-back period of anywhere from nine months to a year, which can mean that claims for any pre-existing conditions (or those that began to manifest before or during the look-back period) can be barred. To receive long term disability benefits from Reliance Standard, you’ll need to show that the onset of your disability occurred after the look-back period ended.

Regardless of where you are in your Reliance Standard disability claim, Dell & Schaefer can help. To get started, set up your FREE consultation with one of our attorneys today.

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options
Submit a Strong Reliance Standard Appeal Package

We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Reliance Standard appeal.

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Sue Reliance Standard

We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Reliance Standard.

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Protect Your Benefits
Get Your Reliance Standard Disability Application Approved
We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

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Prevent a Reliance Standard Disability Benefit Denial
We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

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Negotiate a Reliance Standard Lump-Sum Settlement

Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.

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Reliance Standard Reviews
(48)

Policy Holder Rating

1.6 out of 5
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Showing 8 of 48 Reviews
Reliance Standard

Staff Lie

Reviewed by Tanya on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | August 2021 date of disability
I had my disability cut off the day I was scheduled to find out whether I should have surgery. The claims examiner was aware that I had an appointment on that date and sai... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

I am sorry to hear about your experience. It’s crazy that Reliance Standard would deny your disability benefits when you are suffering so badly that you need surgery.... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard denied my LTD benefits because COVID-19 limited my ability to provide proof of continued disability.

Reviewed by Ken S. on February 11th 2021   Verified Policyholder
Hello, I have a LTD policy with Reliance Standard and it has been paid (considered disabled) for 14 plus years. However, due to limited doctors visits / records this past ... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 11th 2021 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

Ken, it’s important to ensure that if your claim is denied your Appeal be exhaustive, comprehensive, and contain not only all of your relevant medical records, but th... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard cut off my LTD benefits claiming I'm fit enough to work even though I'm more sick than before.

Reviewed by Jeff S. on July 7th 2020   Verified Policyholder
It should be criminal that this company treats sick people like this who just want PTO be left alone! I received a call from Reliance on 7/6/20 cutting me off after 1 year... read more >
Reply
Sent on July 7th 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Jeff, in my opinion Reliance Standard is one of the more difficult insurance companies to deal with. What you are experiencing they do day in, day out. You can certainl... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard notified me that my benefits were being stopped with no warning or reason.

Reviewed by Deborah S. on June 5th 2020   Verified Policyholder
Horrible company! Phoned me on June 4th to let me know that I would no longer be receiving benefits as of June 3rd. Just like that! No questions asked and no info given!
Reply
Sent on June 5th 2020 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Deborah, I am sorry to hear of the denial of your claim and how you were provided no notice of an immediate end of your income. Please contact us at once for a free con... read more >

Reliance Standard

I was receiving LTD from Reliance Standard due to breast cancer until they suddenly denied me my benefits.

Reviewed by Mary Anne B. on March 3rd 2020   Verified Policyholder
I was diagnosed stage 2 breast cancer June 2015 and went out on std with Reliance. Within 4 months following my status changed to stage 4 with Mets to my spine. STD conver... read more >
Reply
Sent on March 3rd 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Mary Anne, your recourse would be to go through the administrative appeal process and if that is denied to file lawsuit. Please contact our office to discuss the denial... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard never answers or returns my calls, has not provided me my benefits, and falsely claims I never provided necessary paperwork.

Reviewed by Chrystall on July 5th 2017   Verified Policyholder
I have been on STDI since April 28th, 2017 and I have only received what they say is a “courtesy payment” because they know the hardship which I am facing. I call mult... read more >
Reply
Sent on July 5th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Chrystall, please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim. Needless to say, the carrier is well beyond the typical timeframe to render a decision on a STD... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard is unreasonably prolonging the transition from STD to LTD for my boyfriend.

Reviewed by Wendy on April 4th 2017   Verified Policyholder
In August 2016 my boyfriend was placed on disability by his family physician. A short background, he is a type I Diabetic since age 4 and had to have multiple lumbar back ... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 4th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Wendy, please contact our office to discuss the claim further. Decisions on long term disability claim applications should only take about 45-60 days. If the claim is d... read more >

Reliance Standard

The appeals process with Reliance Standard is very frustrating. I'm not sure how to get an answer from them.

Reviewed by Rachel on October 23rd 2016   Verified Policyholder
I started with Reliance Standard when i had surgery 4/13, complications in surgery caused my recover last longer and brought my Lupus out of remission. I stayed on STD wit... read more >
Reply
Sent on October 23rd 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Rachel, if your claim was denied and your appeal already submitted there may be little that can be done until such time that RSL renders a decision on your appeal, whic... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(25)
Showing 8 of 25 Answered Questions

Q: Are VA disability payments considered “other income” by Reliance Standard?

Answered on October 25th 2023 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: The disability policy may allow Reliance Standard to deduct and offset your monthly benefit payment by your VA... Read More >

Q: Denied short term disability and need to file for long term with same insurer

Answered on June 29th 2023 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: We would be more than happy to speak with you and review your denial letter and policy and discuss how we can ... Read More >

Q: Will Reliance Standard reduce my LTD payments due to my pension benefits or rental income?

Answered on November 3rd 2022 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: ARH, I am happy to hear of your LTD approval, though I am sorry to hear of your medical conditions. The LTD po... Read More >

Q: Why is Reliance Standard trying to recover payments I was awarded through another company?

Answered on August 6th 2020 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Dani, your disability plan may contain a provision which allows Reliance to claim and recover an overpayment o... Read More >

Q: Do I have to provide additional proof of my disability that's specifically requested by Reliance Standard?

Answered on July 11th 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Fred, I am sorry to hear all that you have been through medically and in dealing with Reliance Standard. Unfor... Read More >

Q: How do I access a copy of my STD policy with Reliance Standard?

Answered on March 26th 2019 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Vicki, I am sorry to hear the trouble you are having with the Standard. It seems they are certainly make thing... Read More >

Q: If I'm not receiving the SSDI benefits for my children from Reliance Standard due to custody, should my SSDI benefits increase?

Answered on July 11th 2018 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Bill, it depends on terms and conditions relating to “other income benefits” and “offset” under your f... Read More >

Q: How can Reliance Standard not coordinate with both of my disability insurance policies?

Answered on December 13th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Jerry, you will need to review your RSL policy to determine what it deems to be a source of “Other Income”... Read More >
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Showing 12 of 873 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
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Showing 8 of 330 Benefit Tips

How to Apply for Reliance Standard Disability Benefits & Top 5 Reasons for a Claim Denial

At Dell & Schaefer we’ve handled hundreds of long term disability insurance claims against Reliance Standard, and have learned a few thi... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #5 – Your Medical Evidence is Weak

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Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company

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Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance

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How Do You Fight a Long-Term Disability Denial?

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Disability Denial Reason #2 - Change of Disability Definition & Vocational Review

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Dell Disability Cases
(372)
Showing 8 of 372 Dell Disability Cases

How does Reliance Standard deny long term disability benefits after paying for three years?

A former Payroll Manager for Solairus Aviation, a large Private Jet Charter and Aircraft Mana... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Texas Retail Store Manager

Our client, Mr. S, formerly worked as a Store Manager for a large national retail chain. In August 2016 Mr. S suffered from multiple Transient... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturned LTD denial for Tennessee Technology Sales Consultant

Our client, Mr. L, formerly worked as a Sales Consultant for a global technology company. In September 2014 a number of medical issues followi... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturns decision to deny long-term disability benefits to Paediatrician with Ovarian Cancer

Prior to her disability Dr. Julie worked as a pediatric physician for a nationally recognized health system based in Florida. In 2015, Dr. Jul... Read More >

Reliance Standard reinstates disability benefits to Project Manager

Our client, a former Senior Project Manager for a national corporation, was receiving long term disability benefits from Reliance Standard due... Read More >

Reliance Standard Reinstates Benefits for Former Employee of Parent Company, Delphi Financial, Following Successful Appeal

Our client, Ms. L, formerly worked as a National Account Manager for Delphi Financial Group, the parent company of Reliance Standard Insurance... Read More >

Reliance Standard Overturns Denial of Benefits on Appeal After Claiming It Failed to Receive Medical Records

Ms. L was employed as a registered nurse when she was diagnosed with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, optic atrophy and visual field defect... Read More >

After sending claimant to a psychiatric IME, Reliance Standard realizes its decision to deny benefits was incorrect

Reliance Standard Incorrectly Denies BenefitsThe claimant had been suffering from severe depression and anxiety due to many stressors in h... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(765)
Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Reliance Standard Disability Denial Upheld Due to Claimant's Lack of Strong Medical Record Support

In the case of Amy Wright v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff was the vice-president of... Read More >

Reliance Standard Wrongfully Denies Life Insurance Waiver of Premium and Must Pay $188,000

In Jody Rizzo v. First Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, plaintiff’s late husband, Angelo Rizzo, participated in a group l... Read More >

Is Plaintiff Entitled to LTD Benefits When Unable to Work in Any Occupation?

In Tiedel v. Reliance Standard life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff Tiedel, a full-time flight engineer for K... Read More >

Can Employer’s Transfer of Coverage Effect an Employee’s Disability Claim?

In the case of Cheryl L. Wallace v. Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. (Oakwood), Plaintiff was employed by Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. Health Sy... Read More >

Court Upholds Reliance’s Denial of Disability Benefits to Riverboat Pilot

In Michael G. Miller v. Reliance Standard Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff worked for Lake Charles Pilots, Inc... Read More >

Reliance Termination of Benefits Is Upheld When Evidence Was Conflicting

In Karen Gammon v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff worked for Cape Cod Hospital for 23 years as a med... Read More >

District Court Holds That Reliance Standard Did Not Properly Consider Whether Traveling Nurse Could Perform The Material Duties Of Her Regular Occupation

In Sue Ray v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, W.D. Washington, July 31, 2018, Plaintiff filed suit under the Employee Retirement Inc... Read More >

Reviews from Our Clients

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5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability income benefits approved. Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process and the information you provide is critical. Most disability insurance companies look at your application in hopes of finding a reason to deny your claim. Your disability company will ask you to complete numerous forms, interview you, request lots of information, speak with your doctors and possibly request to have you examined by their "hired gun" doctor.

Through our experience of having helped thousands of disability insurance claimants, our lawyers will guide you through the entire application process and give you the best chance to get your disability claim approved the first time.

Submit A Strong Appeal Package

If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our lawyers know exactly what it takes to get your disability claim approved. You only get once chance to submit an Appeal, therefore every piece of evidence that will support your disability claim must be included. The goal is to win your disability benefits at the Appeal level, but while preparing your Appeal you must consider how a federal judge will review your disability claim if your benefit denial is upheld.

Preparing a strong disability appeal package is an art that requires you to understand how the courts interpret your disability policy language, ERISA regulations / laws, and how to strategically present evidence in support of your definition of "disability". We encourage you to contact any of our lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

Sue Your Disability Company

98% of the disability insurance lawsuits filed by our law firm have resulted in either the payment of benefits or a lump-sum settlement agreement. Our disability lawyers have filed ERISA governed and private policy long term disability insurance lawsuits against every major disability insurance company in state and federal courts nationwide and we love fighting for the "little guy" against the multi-billion dollar insurance company giants.

We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and we would like the opportunity to provide you with a free review of your disability benefit denial. There are many complex factors in a disability benefit lawsuit and the legal battle to win long term disability benefits can be fierce.

Prevent A Disability Benefit Denial

Approval of long-term disability is a continuous process as every disability insurance company will evaluate your eligibility for benefits on a monthly basis. You can never let your guard down and assume that your disability company will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you think you need them.

Our law firm offers a reasonable flat fee monthly claim handling service in which we handle every aspect of your long-term disability claim and do whatever it takes to make sure you are paid every month.

Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Let's discuss if a lump-sum settlement or buyout of your disability insurance claim is both available and makes financial sense for you. Our lawyers have negotiated more than five-hundred million dollars in disability insurance buyouts and we know how to get you a maximum settlement. A disability insurance company is not required to offer a buyout and not every disability company offers them.

Questions About Hiring Us

Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance lawyers that know how to get your short or long term disability benefits paid. As a nationwide law firm we have helped thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the United States to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of disability insurance benefits from every major disability insurance company.

In more than 98% of our cases, our lawyers have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our lawyers have seen it all when it comes to disability insurance claims and we know exactly what it takes for your disability claim to be approved.

We welcome you to contact any of our attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability claim. We also invite you to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have more than 700 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our lawyers help individuals that have either purchased a long term disability insurance policy from an insurance company or obtained short or long term disability insurance coverage as a benefit from their employer. We have helped individuals in almost every type of occupation with monthly disability benefit payments ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

Our clients include all types of employees ranging from retail associates, sales representatives, government employees, police officers, teachers, janitors, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, financial advisors, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, consultants, IT professionals, engineers, professional athletes, business owners, and high level executives.

A strong understanding and presentation of the duties of your occupation is essential for securing disability insurance benefits.

Do you work in my state?

Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

What are your fees?

Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

In every case we provide each client with a written fee agreement detailing the terms and conditions. We always offer a free initial phone consultation and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in obtaining payment of your disability insurance benefits.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via phone, email, fax, GoToMeeting sessions, or Skype. If you prefer an initial in-person meeting please let us know. A disability company will never require you to come to their office and similarly we are set up so that we handle your entire claim without the need for you to come to our office.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-698-9159 or by email. Lawyers and staff must return all client calls same day. Client emails are usually replied to within the same business day and seem to be the preferred and most efficient method of communication for most clients.