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What does it mean if my waiver of life insurance premium has been denied?

Insurance companies often deny Waiver of Life Insurance Premium requests caused by a disability due to the any occupation definition of disability. If your waiver of premium request has been denied is essential to take immediate action.

Disability attorneys Stephen Jessup and Gregory Dell have created a video in which they discuss Waiver of Life Insurance Premium benefits, what to do if your Waiver of Life Insurance Premium claim is denied, and how these claims and benefits relate to your claim for short or long term disability benefits. It is important to take action immediately as most insurance companies only give you thirty days from the date of denial to stat paying for your life insurance. You can get the money back if you win the appeal. Often Waiver of Life Insurance Premium claims are handled in a different part of the disability insurance company, separate from your short or long term disability claim. However, if you receive notice that your Waiver of Life Insurance Premium claim is being reviewed (which often happens if the definition of disability changes from “own occupation” to “any occupation”), this should set off a red flag for you that your disability claim is likely also being reviewed for a change in definition.

The disability policy and life insurance policy typically have different definitions of disability. However, if the Waiver of Life Insurance Premium department discovers information that can be used to determine you are no longer disabled and eligible for benefits, it is highly probable that the disability department will also be given this information to use to challenge or deny your disability claim. If your Waiver of Life Insurance Premium claim is denied, you must file an appeal under ERISA, if ERISA is applicable. However, you should continue to pay the premium yourself so that, if the denial if overturned on appeal, you will be able to keep the Life Insurance policy and the out-of-pocket payments will be returned to you. Please feel free to contact any of our disability attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your denial of a waiver of life insurance premium.

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Sedgwick

Sedgwick will use the false need for discovery to deny your claim

Reviewed by Calvin on July 20th 2025 Verified Policyholder | August 2021 date of disability

Sedgwick will use the false need for discovery to deny your claim for as long as possible to wear you down because you are out of work and need the money.Lie, cheat and ... read more >

Unum

Unum does not act as a fiduciary

Reviewed by Unum is horrible on July 15th 2025 Verified Policyholder | October 2025 date of disability

I received paycheck from 2 sources at work. I was approved for LTD by Metlife within 40 days, no questions asked. I was approved by NWM which was my private own occupation... read more >

Unum

UNUM denied my LTD claim after 6 months although my health continues to decline

Reviewed by Michael B on July 12th 2025 Verified Policyholder | July 2023 date of disability

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MetLife

Horrible STD Service. Run !!!!

Reviewed by Scott F. on July 8th 2025 Verified Policyholder | June 2025 date of disability

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Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard cut off LTD suddenly claiming I could do sedentary work after 10 plus years… no paperwork sent to appeal

Reviewed by Autumn on July 1st 2025 Verified Policyholder | January 2015 date of disability

I’ve been on STD then LTD with Reliance since 1/2015. They sent a medical review in December 2024 to my old address which of course I never got the paperwork for. I emai... read more >

Sedgwick

Denial for benefits, Sedgwick is the worst

Reviewed by Andrea on May 22nd 2025 Verified Policyholder | June 2024 date of disability

I was not paid for 7 months on STD. My appeal was finally approved, but in the meantime I lost company match on my 401k, and then they canceled my company insurance. Out o... read more >

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Keith G.

They were very professional with their responds and on time with keeping you inform about everything with your case. I would recommend My lawyer Stephen Jessup, he was on point with everything, thank you. You guys are awesome people to work with. God bless you guys.

Keith L.

I was not able to work as a physician for about 14 months due to neck/back issues. Even though I had 3 medical doctors explicitly state that I was not to work AT ALL as a physician at that time, New York Life (NYL) Disability Insurance denied my long term disability claim (which apparently they deny a high percentage of people similar to me- only they know why they do this to so many- I have my own suspicions). I was in pain from my medical issues and so frustrated with NYL considering I had many bills coming due. I then decided to call Dell Disability Lawyers. One of their attorneys, Alex Palamara, spoke to me on the phone right then to hear and understand my story and then offer ways he could help. Long story short, within a few months of me returning back to work, he was able to persuade NYL to pay me my long term disability claim. He (and his kind assistant, Tabitha) were always very helpful, informative, and available to me. I feel quite certain that NYL would NEVER have paid me what was appropriate based on my insurance agreement/ contract with them without the help of Alex. I highly recommend him/Dell Disability Lawyers. If you find yourself in a similar situation of disability insurance denial of your own personal/group policy, especially if you are a medical provider/physician like me, then consider contacting them for advice/direction PRIOR to appealing your claim on your own.

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If you have a disability claim hire Jay as if you go it alone the insurance company will screw you. Jay and Sonia will fight for everything you are entitled for. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

Frank R.

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Dell Disability Lawyers. Attorney Stephen Jessup and Amanda offered an opportunity to provide clarity on a complex issue regarding my disability claim. Mr. Jessup offered advice on an offset to my claim after my insurance company asked for additional information from Social Security. With counsel from Mr. Jessup, I was able to address the outstanding issue with the Social Security office and provide my insurance company with the required documentation to address their concerns. Mr. Jessup always responded in a timely manner with expert advice and offered the opportunity for follow up. I strongly recommend Dell Disability Lawyers to those seeking legal counsel for disability matters.

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Samar A.

My husband had applied for Long Term Disability and was denied. We sought out Rachel Alters at Dell Disability Lawyers to help us with our appeal. Rachel and her team were so diligent and meticulous in every aspect of the process. The process was seamless, and we never had any doubts that she would get it done and that she did! We are forever grateful to Rachel and Catherine for all of their determination and tenacity to get us the outcome we needed and deserved.

We could not recommend better representation and are indebted to them for making us whole again. Thank you so much Rachel and team!

Jam

Alex Palamara is one of The Best lawyers in the world and Dell Disability Lawyers are the Best by Far. Alex and his Assistant Tabitha helped me get the compensation I needed for a Horrific Disabling heath condition I’ve been dealing with for over a year. Alex and his team were so professional and caring. They treated me like I was there own family. Alex Knowledge, Expertise and skills as a Lawyer is among the Best of the Best in his field and I would HIGHLY recommend that if you ever have any issues with any Insurance Company over your Disability issues, please don’t hesitate to seek out Dell Disability and Alex Palamara. They truly are Amazing and caring. Thank God for them. Outstanding Job Alex and Tabitha

G.T.

9 years ago when I had to apply for disability benefits from my private disability policy the insurance company ignored my inquiries until Dell and Schaefer represented me and I have received the benefits without interruption til my policy expired at age 65. I have appreciated not having to deal directly with the insurance company and having attorney Greg Dell and assistant Danielle Lauria handle all communications which included monthly progress reports. I thank them for their efforts on my behalf and highly recommend them to all those in need of disability benefits.

Misty A.

I’m so thankful I chose to reach out to the attorneys at Dell. They have always been quick to respond to any and all questions I have had. The anxiety I had while dealing with Lincoln Financial on my own has decreased immensely since Alex and Danielle took my case. They were able to get my LTD denial reversed and I am so very grateful!

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