Principal Disability Help

Question

Is it legal for Principal to take away my benefits if my doctor says I cannot work?

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

Asked on January 5th 2017 by Tammy

I have been on long term disability for 2 years and Principal Finance took away my benefits in October 2016. They made me see an occupational doctor and he said I could do some sort of work. My doctor has me on limitations of not being able to sit for more than a half hour, no walking get or standing for any period of time, and carry no more than a gallon of milk. I have diabetic neuropathy and complex regional pain syndrome, I have had a torn tendon in my right rotator cuff since 2009, and arthritis in my neck and back. My doctor will not let me work. Is it legal for them to take away my benefits? I am at the stage of being able to do a voluntary appeal. What are my options they left me with no income what so ever, no way to pay any bills or buy food and everyday essentials, or pay to upkeep my vehicle. HELP!

Answer

Answered on January 9th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Tammy, unfortunately, it is very legal for Principal to deny your benefits if they determine you do not meet the definition of disability. If your policy is an employer provided policy then your administrative appeal is incredibly important in the event of future litigation. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss how we can assist you in appealing the denial.

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Disability Benefit Denial Options

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Sue Principal

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Get Your Principal Disability Application Approved

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Prevent a Principal Disability Benefit Denial

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Principal Reviews

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Showing 4 of 16 Reviews

Principal

Sorry, Principal. My residual and renewal commissions aren't "earned"

Reviewed by Ron on August 24th 2020 Verified Policyholder

(CAPS are added by me for emphasis:) I am a self-employed insurance broker working only on commissions. I was disabled due to surgeries and received some income replacemen...

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Sent on August 24th 2020 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Ron: You certainly can challenge Principal’s interpretation of the various provisions at issue through an appeal, if you have not already.

Principal

Principal will do anything not to pay

Reviewed by George on October 7th 2018 Verified Policyholder

Hello, I’m writing this on behalf of my wife. Her vision has degraded to the point that she no longer is able to see a pc screen without extreme headaches within a few m...

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Sent on October 7th 2018 by Attorney Gregory Dell

George, it sounds like your wife is a victim to the very common 24-month denial. It is unfortunate that Principal will not accept the opinions of the numerous doctors who ...

Principal

Principal is absolutely ridiculous. I'm in financial harship after not receibing my full pay from work and exhausting my long term sick

Reviewed by Michelle P. on December 19th 2017 Verified Policyholder

I was placed on medical leave after suffering from vertigo and later diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease. I was put on medication. During these episodes of vertigo, I was n...

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Sent on December 19th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Michelle, will your ENT complete the applicable Attending Physician’s Statement? The APS will allow the doctor to place all restrictions and limitations he/she is imposi...

Principal

Principal owes me 60k

Reviewed by Daniel S. on March 15th 2017 Verified Policyholder

I had a lawyer for my long term disability claim but they wouldn’t sue them for me because the company I worked for sent them a letter saying I didn’t work but 3 hrs a...

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Sent on March 15th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Daniel, we would need to see copies off your denial letters and your policy to determine how we may be able to assist you.

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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

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Q: Can Principal deduct my social security payment from my monthly Principal disability benefit payment?

Answered on March 30th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Does you disability policy say social security retirement is deductible? If it does then they are allowed to d...

Q: Is child support arrears considered an income offset for Principal LTD?

Answered on July 29th 2022 by Attorney Rachel Alters

A: Lisa, no I don’t believe it is.

Q: Why did Principal not back me when Social Security did?

Answered on August 21st 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara

A: Durron, I am sorry to hear that your LTD claim was denied. While there are different standards for approving L...

Q: What is the difference between time period of the claim while approved and the time period of the claim while denied?

Answered on August 14th 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara

A: Mark, please gather all the correspondence concerning your claim and please contact us for a free consultation...

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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.

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!

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Question

Is it legal for Principal to take away my benefits if my doctor says I cannot work?

Answer

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Submit a Strong Principal Appeal Package

Sue Principal

Get Your Principal Disability Application Approved

Prevent a Principal Disability Benefit Denial

Negotiate a Principal Lump-Sum Settlement

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