Question

Are insurance companies allowed to deny payment of short term disability benefits because I am collecting social security retirement benefits disability?

Asked on February 3rd 2025 by Tom
I am 74. I work for FedEx Supply Chain (warehouse). I have been employed as a full time employee over four years. I depend on my full hourly wage and full social security retirement benefits for my income. On April 24, 2024, I had open heart surgery (triple bypass). The Hartford is telling me I cannot get the 60% short term disability because I am receiving SSA retirement benefits. Is that true? I doesn’t seem fair to seniors like myself.

Answer

Answered on February 3rd 2025 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Tom, it is not unusual for a disability insurance policy to have language that deducts social security payments from the amount the insurance company owes you. You need to get a copy of your policy and read the deductible sources of income section.