Hartford Disability Help

Question

Can Hartford force me to return to work if I have been approved by SSDI?

Name: Dell Disability Lawyers
Brand: Dell Disability Lawyers
Rating: 5 (746 reviews)

Asked on January 18th 2018 by Alex

Just got off the phone with a return to work specialist from The Hartford concerning my LTD policy. Felt very much like she was telling me I could return to work based on their interpretation of my doctors notes on my case. I was approved for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration as of June 2017. I am pretty concerned that they are getting ready to deny my insurance benefits which, honestly, aren’t much but I am 42 with 2 boys to raise and a mortgage payment. I need every cent I can get. Are they allowed to say I can return to work even though I have been approved for Disability?

Answer

Answered on January 17th 2018 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Alex, unfortunately, yes. Even though SSDI is proof of disability, receipt of SSDI benefits is not in and of itself a guarantee to benefits under a private policy. Hartford will have to certainly consider it as part of its review, but Hartford can rely on its own review to make a determination as to ongoing benefits. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim in greater detail.

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.

Submit a Strong Hartford Disability Appeal

Sue Hartford

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

Sue Hartford

Protect Your Benefits

Get Your Hartford Disability Application Approved

We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Apply for Hartford Disability Benefits

Prevent a Hartford Disability Benefit Denial

We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

Monthly Handling of Your Hartford Disability Claim

Negotiate a Hartford Lump-Sum Settlement

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

Hartford Long Term Disability Buyout

Hartford Reviews

(76)

Policy Holder Rating

Write a Review

1.5 out of 5

Read 76 reviews

Write a Review

48%

50%

Timely Payments

1.9out of 5

Handling Claim

1.8out of 5

Customer Service

1.8out of 5

Dependable

1.8out of 5

Value

1.8out of 5

Showing 4 of 76 Reviews

Hartford

Total INCOMPETENCE!!!

Reviewed by Bryan on January 23rd 2026 Verified Policyholder | December 2025 date of disability

They don't answer or return calls... lack of communication... unorganized... takes 3-4 weeks after approval to recieve a check... they mail checks on a friday... mailed me...

Hartford

Frustrating

Reviewed by Annie on September 29th 2025 Verified Policyholder | September 2025 date of disability

I’ve dealt with the Hartford before for short term disability. I’m now dealing with them due to feign off work for surgery on foot. Nothing has changed with this compa...

Hartford

Ran me Around for Months

Reviewed by David on July 5th 2024 Verified Policyholder | January 2024 date of disability

Scammers. Immoral horrible people.

Reply

Sent on July 5th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

David:

It’s horrible that Hartford did that to you.

Hartford

Truly Horrible and Immoral Company with No Customer Service

Reviewed by William M. on June 26th 2024 Verified Policyholder | June 2020 date of disability

My experiences with Hartford have been nothing short of cruel. They started off by claiming that having Glioblastoma, which has an expected life span of about fifteen mont...

Write a Review See All Reviews

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

(82)

Showing 4 of 82 Answered Questions

Q: Workers comp settlement - will Hartford consider that an offset and stop benefits?

Answered on May 6th 2026 by Attorney Rachel Alters

A: Unfortunately, Hartford's group policy does take offsets for a lot of other income you receive. However, it's ...

Q: My records deleted from the system

Answered on May 6th 2026 by Attorney Rachel Alters

A: I can't imagine why Hartford would delete all of your records from the system. I would call again and ask for ...

Q: Lung Cancer, COPD, and LTD: What to Expect About Benefit Duration

Answered on February 4th 2026 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: I am sorry to hear what you are going through. I do not believe that you need to be worried about the duration...

Q: LTD Denial United Healthcare - Hartford

Answered on September 5th 2025 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

A: This is a complex issue and you should have your policy and denial letters reviewed by a disability insurance ...

Ask Our Lawyers a Question See All Answered Questions

Helpful Videos

(928)

Showing 12 of 928 Videos

See All Videos

Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

Showing 4 of 331 Benefit Tips

Does Hartford Pay Disability Insurance Claims?

At Dell Disability Lawyers, we get questions about Hartford long term disability policies on nearly a daily basis. As one of the biggest names in insurance, Hartford is a well-oiled machine when it comes to processing (and, sometimes, denying) disability claims. Learn more about what it's like to appeal Hartford's denial of your claim for long term disa...

How Does Hartford Long Term Disability Work?

The most common questions for a disability attorney involve understanding how disability coverage actually works. When it comes to The Hartford long-term disability insurance policies in particular, there are a lot of searches for that type of information. It’s a broad question, but one that we’re well-equipped to answer at disability insurance law firm Dell...

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. In this featured article and video gain insights into:Hartford DeadlinesAdministrative Appeal - What Is It?Administrative Appeal ProcessBenefits of Hiring A Disability Insurance AttorneyGREGORY DELL: Hi. I'm attorney Greg Dell, here with Stephen. A...

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-Term disability insurance benefits, if continuously disabled, until the policy holder’s social security retirement age. That isn’t always the case. In this video and article learn about:What is the length of your elimination period and the length of your be...

See All Benefit Tips

Our Resolved Cases

(390)

Showing 4 of 390 Our Resolved Cases

Hartford Denies Republic Services Truck Driver's Disability Benefits

Hartford terminated long-term disability benefits to a commercial driver who had survived two ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrests, lived with a permanently implanted defibrillator, and was federally barred from ever holding a CDL again. Hartford's stated reason was that the loss of his commercial driver's license, by itself, did not make him disabled.Ou...

SAP Employee With Neck Surgery Wins Hartford Disability Appeal

Hartford terminated nearly two years of approved long-term disability benefits for an SAP America Solution Advisor Expert in Michigan — using an internal paper review by a non-physician who never examined our client, and invoking the any occupation disability standard months before the policy permitted it.Our client spent close to three decades building on...

Nurse With Knee and Back Disorder Wins Hartford Disability Appeal

We represent a General Duty Nurse who was denied long term disability benefits as Hartford improperly determined that she was able to work her medium duty job on a full time basis. The medical and occupational documentation submitted with her appeal that we filed on her behalf, as well as the documentation and evidence previously submitted by her physicians, cle...

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, asserting that his medical records did not demonstrate “a consistent inability to perform [his] sedentary occupation”. Aetna abused its discretion in reaching this determination as its decision was not only wrong but arbitrary and capricious and was not based on a fu...

See All Our Resolved Cases

Disability Lawsuit Stories

(766)

Showing 4 of 766 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 terminated Ferrin’s claim for long term disability benefits and ordered Aetna to reinstate Ferrin’s claim and pay all past due benefits with interest. Prior to filing for long term disability Ferrin was an employee of Southwest Airlines. In 2008, while at work, she suf...

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 denied receipt of continued long term disability benefits. As it turns out, the imprisoned individual had been receiving Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance Benefits since October 7, 1994 from Aetna and later Hartford (as Hartford purchased Aetna’s Group Life and Disab...

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 Corporation (Plan) when he became disabled due to diagnoses of degenerative disc disease which caused him chronic debilitating pain and myofascial pain syndrome.Plaintiff was covered under his employer’s Group Long Term Disability Plan through Hartf...

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 Strategist with Oracle America Inc. (Oracle) when he was fired from his job effective October 13, 2017. Between May 2017 and the date of termination, Plaintiff worked only intermittently.Oracle provided its employees with a long term disability (LTD) benef...

See All Lawsuit Stories

Reviews from Our Clients

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.

Kyle D.

Jay Symonds and his assistant, Sonia helped me tremendously. The insurance company that worked for my former employer did everything they could to make my life literally miserable. That all changed when I hired Jay. He and Sonia fought for my rights and forced the insurance company to pay what they should have.

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.

Wesley D.

I have been able to help others as a soldier, a police officer, and a pharmacist. I needed help forcing the insurance company to keep their commitment to take care of me and my family. I called Dell. Alex, Tabitha, and their entire team were very compassionate, extremely patient, and extraordinarily knowledgeable. Many thanks Dell!

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!

View All Reviews (503)

Question

Can Hartford force me to return to work if I have been approved by SSDI?

Answer

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Submit a Strong Hartford Appeal Package

Sue Hartford

Get Your Hartford Disability Application Approved

Prevent a Hartford Disability Benefit Denial

Negotiate a Hartford Lump-Sum Settlement

Policy Holder Rating

Reply

Reviews from Our Clients

Request a Free Consultation

5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Questions About Hiring Us