Collecting Hartford Disability Benefits Is A Reality

Our lawyers have helped thousands of Hartford disability insurance claimants nationwide to collect long term disability benefits. Hartford (HIG) is a multi-billion “two headed monster” that will hide behind the wall of ERISA disability laws in an effort to unfairly deny long term disability claims. No matter what any TV station, newspaper reporter or court says about Hartford’s claim handling actions, they continue to handle disability insurance claims according to their own rules.

Of the more than 40 disability insurance companies that sell long-term disability insurance coverage, it is our opinion that The Hartford is one of the most difficult disability insurance companies to deal with. The 2017 1.45 billion dollar purchase of Aetna’s disability insurance division made them one of the top five largest group disability insurance companies in the country.

Every Hartford claim requires a custom strategy in order to obtain claim approval and we encourage you to contact us for a free immediate consultation with one of our disability insurance attorneys. In the video above you can get a good understanding of our experience in helping Hartford disability claimants.

How Can We Help With Your Hartford Disability Claim?

Wherever you live our lawyers are available to help you with your Hartford disability claim. How our lawyers can help with your Hartford disability insurance claim depends on the stage of your claim. The five stages of a claim for disability benefits with Hartford are:

1. Applying For Hartford Short or Long-term Disability Benefits

The initial Hartford application for disability benefits is a critical part of every claim for disability insurance benefits. Obtaining properly documented medical support, selecting the correct date of disability and completing all of the required Hartford claimant and attending physician forms are just a few of the many areas that claimants can make mistakes. Contact any of our disability lawyers to discuss how we can help give you the best chance to collect disability benefits.

2. Hartford Monthly Disability Benefit Claim Handling

An approval of disability benefits by Hartford does not mean that the benefits will automatically continue for as long as you need them. The Hartford claim rep assigned to your disability claim is required to evaluate your claim every month and determine your eligibility for benefits. Hartford is inconsistent on how they manage each claim. Hartford is also notorious for requiring claim forms or updated medical records at any time. We offer a unique service where we manage your claim on an ongoing basis so that we can rest assured your claim is in the best position to prevent a Hartford claim denial. Learn more about our Hartford monthly claim handling service.

3. Filing A Hartford Disability Benefit Appeal

Almost all of Hartford’s disability denial letters look the same and follow the same strategy for claim denial. We believe that Hartford writes these wrongful denials in an effort to either force claimants back to some kind of work or hope that they will just drop the claim. We have handled hundreds of Hartford ERISA appeals and know exactly what needs to be done to give you the best chance to get your benefits paid. We have a lot of information available about Hartford disability appeals that you should review here.

4. Suing Hartford For a Disability Benefit Denial

Our lawyers have filed ERISA disability lawsuits against Hartford all over the country and more than 95% of our clients have either had their benefits reinstated or received a lump-sum settlement. We would like to review your Hartford disability denial and give you an immediate opinion about what we think we can do to help you. Please visit our Hartford Disability Lawsuit page to watch our videos and read about our experience in handling disability benefit lawsuits against Hartford.

5. Negotiating a Hartford Lump-Sum Disability Buyout

In certain scenarios Hartford will enter negotiations for a one-time lump settlement of your long term disability claim. In order to be eligible you must have claim that is not contested by Hartford, you are “totally disabled” and have been on claim past any change in the definition of disability, and you have a medical condition that is not life threatening. Contact us to learn if you are candidate for a Hartford disability buyout or settlement. Learn more about a disability buyout by watching our disability lump sum videos.

Answers To Your Hartford Disability Questions

Should I meet with a Hartford Investigator that wants to interview me?

You should never agree to meet with Hartford without first consulting with a disability insurance attorney. Hartford is one of the few disability companies that will actually send a representative to your house. Your disability policy may require you to meet with Hartford. Hartford commonly uses this meeting as a technique to deny your disability claim. Our lawyers have prepared hundreds of Hartford claimants for these interviews and we know all of the techniques relied upon by the Hartford investigators. Watch our video on Hartford interviews for more information.

How much time does Hartford have to make a determination on an ERISA disability appeal?

The answer is, usually 45 days and an additional 45 days for special circumstances, however, it depends on the individual facts of each claim. View additional information about special circumstances allowing more than 45 days.

How long does an ERISA lawsuit against Hartford take from the filing of a lawsuit until conclusion?

The answer to this question is a wide range of time because there are multiple factors that affect resolution of a lawsuit. The short answer is that a lawsuit can be resolved in as little as 3-6 months and as long as 5-6 years. The average time frame for resolution of a Hartford disability lawsuit is 9-12 months. The factors that affect the time frame are the court where lawsuit is filed, the defense attorney representing Hartford, the amount of benefits owed to the claimant, the lawsuit expectations of the claimant, and whether a lawsuit involves an appeal or not. Any of our lawyers can you give you a more specific answer based upon a discussion of your Hartford disability denial.

Can Hartford deduct social security payments from my monthly disability check?

The answer is usually yes. 99% of the Hartford disability policies have a section titled “deductible sources of income”, and social security disability benefits for both you and your dependent children will reduce the amount of the benefit that Hartford owes. If you are receiving social security for a reason other than your disability, then Hartford may not be able to reduce your monthly benefit.

What should I expect at an IME exam requested by Hartford?

Every Hartford disability policy gives Hartford the right to have you examined as often as Hartford believes it is necessary. We are often able to limit the scope and frequency of these compulsory medical exams. Hartford likes to the call these independent medical exams, but the examining doctors are often “hired guns” that Hartford has repeatedly relied upon to evaluate disability claims. In this video you can learn about being prepared for a medical exam requested by the Hartford.

We hope you find the information on our website informative for your Hartford disability claim. We know the world of disability insurance claims is something that you probably never wanted to know much about. We want you to know as much as possible so you understand the importance of protecting your monthly disability income benefits. We offer a free immediate phone consultation with one of our attorneys and while we have a ton of information available on our site to educate you about Hartford, we always welcome to you to contact us so we can provide you with an immediate opinion as to whether we can help you collect disability insurance benefits.

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options
Submit a Strong Hartford Appeal Package

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

Learn more

Sue Hartford

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

Negotiate a Hartford Lump-Sum Settlement

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

Learn more

Hartford Reviews
(68)

Policy Holder Rating

1.6 out of 5
Read 68 reviews
0%would recommend
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4
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3
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54%
1
44%
Timely Payments
2.0out of 5
Handling Claim
1.9out of 5
Customer Service
1.9out of 5
Dependable
1.9out of 5
Value
1.9out of 5
Showing 8 of 68 Reviews
Hartford

This company is a scam!

Reviewed by Hana K. on July 13th 2023   Verified Policyholder | December 2022 date of disability
The Hartford does not pay claims. The Hartford only collects premiums. The Hartford doesn’t care if you are terminally ill. I’ve been employed at my employer since 201... read more >
Hartford

Hartford Stopped Payments

Reviewed by Fed up in PA on April 13th 2023   Verified Policyholder | January 2023 date of disability
Worst company ever. Their analysts will go against your treating provider every single time. Horrible experience, just horrible.
Hartford

Hartford never paid me

Reviewed by Nanette M. on April 26th 2020   Verified Policyholder
I went on disability March 25, 2019 until Dec. 23, 2019 from my job FedEx. The Hartford insurance company didn’t pay me my disability check after the end of July. I appe... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 26th 2020 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Nanette, we are sorry to hear that your claim for benefits for the period of July through December was denied. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.read more >

Hartford

Hartford rep felt so guilty over how the company treated me that she quit

Reviewed by Delton on April 8th 2020   Verified Policyholder
It’s been since 1998 but they really screwed me over big time and caused my family and I much distress ~ first they required me to go to a psychiatric doctor before they... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 8th 2020 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Delton, I’m sorry to hear about the experience you had with Hartford. Unfortunately since your claim dates back to 1998 it would be too late to file suit as the statu... read more >

Hartford

Hartford ajuster won't return my calls. I might have to move back to California

Reviewed by Jesse on March 17th 2020   Verified Policyholder
I was awarded medical for life, for my back injuries at work by the court of Los Angeles in California years ago. I moved to Colorado two years ago and for the past few mo... read more >
Hartford

Hartford keeps saying they haven’t gotten my paperwork

Reviewed by David C. on March 3rd 2020   Verified Policyholder
I have a short term disability claim through the Hartford through my job. I was approved to go back to work on March 9th. The Hartford keeps telling me they did not get my... read more >
Reply
Sent on March 3rd 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

David, I would recommend you try to get a fax confirmation from your doctor, or better yet secure the information needed from your doctor and send to them. I have seen ... read more >

Hartford

I'm going bankrupt after Hartford rejected all my medical tests/records

Reviewed by JNC on February 26th 2020   Verified Policyholder
In January, I collapsed in a cross walk while crossing the street. I sustained injuries to my left knee and spine and have been chronic testing to determine the cause of m... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 26th 2020 by Attorney Jay Symonds

JNC: I suggest you contact our office and speak with one of the attorneys to address the specific questions you have regarding your situation as well as your options on... read more >

Hartford

Hartford has denying claims down to an artform

Reviewed by Judy P. on February 26th 2020   Verified Policyholder
I have been denied by the Hartford for LTD through my company. I can already tell they have this down to an artform.
Reply
Sent on February 26th 2020 by Attorney Jay Symonds

Judy: If this is the first denial you have the right to file an appeal but the deadline is time sensitive. Unless you plan to file your own appeal, I suggest you contac... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(54)
Showing 8 of 54 Answered Questions

Q: LTD payment adjustment for cost of living?

Answered on August 21st 2023 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Spacey, I am happy to hear that Hartford has approved your claim for LTD benefits and that they have been payi... Read More >

Q: Wrongfully terminate my LTD claim, AND take my qrtly bonus....?

Answered on August 4th 2023 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Tammy, I am sorry to hear how Hartford has treated you. It might be best for us to speak so that I can get som... Read More >

Q: Phi violation

Answered on June 21st 2023 by Attorney Jay Symonds
A: Jen, I’m not sure how they would have your information but in some cases an employer will submit a claim on ... Read More >

Q: Why is Hartford asking for reimbursement?

Answered on June 6th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Most group disability policies require a claimant to pay back any social security disability benefits received... Read More >

Q: Bipolar on STD Hartford is LTD

Answered on June 6th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: I am sorry to hear what you are going through. It seems like you should easily be approved based upon your ext... Read More >

Q: Do I have to sign the overly broad "AUTHORIZATION TO OBTAIN AND DISCLOSE INFORMATION" form from The Hartford LTD insurance company?

Answered on March 24th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: You have a duty to provide your medical evidence in support of disability to Hartford. You need a doctor to si... Read More >

Q: How Often Does Hartford Review My Disability Claim?

Answered on November 12th 2021 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: You should expect reviews from Hartford at a minimum of at least one time year. They are likely reviewing your... Read More >

Q: Is the policy that was acquired by Hartford from Aetna still the same policy? Does Hartford have a right to recover over payments made by Aetna? 

Answered on July 24th 2020 by Attorney Jay Symonds
A: LM: Generally speaking, Hartford would assume all rights and responsibilities available to Aetna on Aetna clai... Read More >
Helpful Videos
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Showing 12 of 805 Videos
Disability Benefit Tips
(329)
Showing 8 of 329 Benefit Tips

Does Hartford Pay Disability Insurance Claims?

At Dell & Schaefer, we get questions about Hartford long term disability policies on ne... Read More >

How Does Hartford Long Term Disability Work?

The most common questions for a disability attorney involve understanding how disability cove... Read More >

What Happens If My Hartford Short Term Disability Claim is Denied?

Understand your rights once your Hartford short term disability income claim has been denied.... Read More >

How Long Does a Hartford Short Term or Long Term Disability Claim Last?

Hartford disability income policy holders expect Hartford to pay their Short Term & Long-... Read More >

If I Convert my Former Employee Disability Policy to a Private Policy Does ERISA Govern?

Many employer welfare benefit plans offer employees who quit their employment the option of converting their disability insurance pl... Read More >

Is the Hartford Disability Purchase of Aetna Bad for Aetna LTD Policy Holders?

In October 2017 Hartford Insurance company agreed to purchase the disability and life insuran... Read More >

Hartford Disability Claim Problems

Hartford is requesting long term disability claimants to provide additional documentation fro... Read More >

How Can I Protect Myself At A Hartford IME Exam?

In this video, disability insurance attorneys Rachel Alters and Cesar Gavidia discuss what yo... Read More >
Dell Disability Cases
(359)
Showing 8 of 359 Dell Disability Cases

Executive Director with Meniere's Denied Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits By Hartford

Our client, came to us when he was unjustly denied his claim for LTD benefits by Aetna, now Hartford, assert... Read More >

A Hartford Disability Benefit Lawsuit Victory for Truist Banker with Lupus

Our client found us after she was denied continued disability insurance benefits by the Hartf... Read More >

Hartford Denies Disability Benefits To Home Depot Employee 3 Weeks Before Change of Disability Definition

Our client was a former in-store merchandising associate responsible for the movement of merc... Read More >

Hartford Denies Long Term Disability Benefits After Paying for 22 Years

It is crazy that Hartford denied long term disability benefits to our client after paying for... Read More >

Hartford Overturns Denial of Disability Benefits on Appeal

Our client, a former clerk at a coal mine with severe lumbar back problems first, contacted our office and spoke with Attorney Stephen Jessup ... Read More >

Hartford Approves Disability Claim After Appeal Deadline

Prior to filing for disability our client worked as a registered nurse in a hospital setting, suffering from multiple chronic medical conditio... Read More >

Hartford overturned its previous denial of LTD benefits for Illinois Account Representative

Our client, Mr. K, formerly worked as an Account Representative for an international brokerage firm. In May 2017 a number of medical issues, i... Read More >

Hartford overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for New York Consultant

Our client, Mr. M, formerly worked as a trade consultant for an international accounting firm. In May 2017 a large lumbar disc herniation forc... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
(763)
Showing 8 of 763 Lawsuit Stories

Federal Court Overturns Aetna Denial Of Disability Benefits

In the recent case of Ferrin v. Aetna Life Ins. Co. a federal judge from the Northern District of Illinois determined that Aetna improperly te... Read More >

Hartford Admits to Improper Offset, Agrees to Reimburse 10 Years of Wrongfully Withheld Money

In August of 2019, the next of kin for a man currently incarcerated in Florida State Prison reached out to our firm as his relative had been d... Read More >

Court Finds Video Surveillance Renders Claimant’s Self-Reporting Unreliable and Upholds Hartford’s Termination of LTD Benefits

In Cummings v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co. (Hartford), Plaintiff was employed by the Free-Port McMoran ... Read More >

Can Medical Records Created After the Eligibility Period Support a Claim for Disability Benefits?

In James s. Louis v. The Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company (Hartford), Plaintiff was a Senior Principal Product... Read More >

Appeals Court Upholds Hartford's Termination of Disability Benefits

In Scott Griffin v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Company, Plaintiff was a medical transcriptionist who was initially awarded long te... Read More >

Hartford Disability Company Field Interview Request and Video Surveillance

Hartford Disability Company, and other disability insurers, use video surveillance and field interviews as a technique to deny claims. A recen... Read More >

Hartford Long Term Disability Benefit Denial Reversed by Minnesota Federal Judge

A long term disability insurance claimant had his benefits denied when a doctor made a mistak... Read More >

Federal District Court Overturns Hartford's Denial of Long Term Disability Benefits

In the recent decision of Tobin v Hartford Life & Acc. Ins. Co. a Michigan Federal District Court overturned Hartford’s denial of long t... 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.