Question

Can I prevent Cigna from offsetting my benefits by the amount I receive from social security?

Asked on May 23rd 2014 by Mare
My mom started collecting her Social Security benefits when she was 65 years old. She is now 74 years old now. My mom has not received any long term disability payments. Yet now, she is trying to collect long term disability benefits from Cigna after having to leave work, due to having treatment for a cancerous spot on her lung. Cigna states that they will have to deduct the amount of Social Security that my mom earns from her long term disability monthly payment. If this happens, my mom will not receive any long term disability benefits at all. My mom signed up to have long term disability benefit payments deducted from her check about two years ago. Can you please help?

Answer

Answered on May 24th 2014 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Mare, Unfortunately, if the policy allows for the offset of your mother’s disability benefit by the amount she receives from social security (which I would be almost certain it does) there is little that can be done to prevent the offset.