Question

Should I ask SSDI about New York Life's surveillance?

Asked on May 7th 2016 by Claire
New York Life terminated my ERISA benefits in 2011 after being on a long term disability plan with them for 10 years. Terminating benefits is what New York Life does best, they do not want to pay long term benefits, it’s a numbers game. I won my case and accepted a buyout from New York Life because I couldn’t handle the stress caused by surveillance, rude case managers, etc. I’m also on Social Security Disability and have been for 15 years. Over the last 3 weeks I’ve noticed the same type of invasive surveillance on my street. My neighbors have also noticed and called law enforcement who told them they were aware of the vehicle and it had a purpose for being on the street. I’m certain the surveillance is on me, in fact last weekend they parked in front of my home to intimidate me. My son and daughter-in-law are going through a contentious divorce and I believe my daughter-in-law’s family called SSDI and said I was not disabled. This is how they behave. I’ve had a broken back and three major back surgeries that have left me with chronic pain and stenosis. My question is, should I call SSDI and ask about the surveillance or what should I do? They’ve been on the street for a total of 10 days on and off, I think that’s excessive or is it?

Answer

Answered on May 8th 2026 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Claire, although we do not handle SSDI claims, hearing about the SSA doing video surveillance is certainly not common. You can call the SSA if you’d like, but I honestly would not know what if anything they would tell you.