Prudential Disability Help

Question

Should the money I used to hire a lawyer be taxable? Am I allowed to contact Social Security directly or does the attorney have to contact them?

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

Asked on April 23rd 2017 by Mollie C.

I had a company paid long term disability policy with Prudential. After declining me twice after my illness, I hired a lawyer and we ended up settling out of court. Should this money be taxable? Also, they considered my SSDI even though I have been denied that twice. They are telling me that once they settled, it is typical for SSDI to approve me since their guidelines are less stringent than Prudential. I am still waiting for a decision. Also, I have an attorney however they have not done anything to assist me in the claim. Am I allowed to contact Social Security directly or does the attorney have to contact them?

Answer

Answered on April 25th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Mollie, you will need to consult with your attorney as to the taxable nature of your benefit. With respect to SSDI, we do not handle SSDI claims so I would not be able to speak as to your situation. That being said, you are free to find new representation if you are not satisfied with your current SSDI attorney.

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options

Submit a Strong Prudential Appeal Package

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

Submit a Prudential disability appeal

Sue Prudential

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

Sue Prudential

Protect Your Benefits

Get Your Prudential Disability Application Approved

We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Apply for Prudential disability benefits

Prevent a Prudential Disability Benefit Denial

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

Prevent a Prudential disability denial

Negotiate a Prudential Lump-Sum Settlement

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

Prudential disability buyout settlement

Prudential Reviews

(28)

Policy Holder Rating

Write a Review

1.5 out of 5

Read 28 reviews

Write a Review

53%

46%

Timely Payments

2.0out of 5

Handling Claim

2.0out of 5

Customer Service

2.0out of 5

Dependable

2.0out of 5

Value

1.9out of 5

Showing 4 of 28 Reviews

Prudential

Denied but Not Denied but I am Denied

Reviewed by KDDK on July 5th 2024 Verified Policyholder | August 2022 date of disability

I went out in Aug. 2022 for neck pain. After seeing a neurologist I had to get an ACDF C5-7, it was also determined I had carpal tunnel in my right hand and bulging disk i...

Prudential

California State Disabilty "OFFSET" never mentioned or outlined when enrolling for STD coverage.

Reviewed by MartyG on June 29th 2023 Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability

All terms and conditions of receiving a claim benefit not made available when enrolling. Hidden elements of eligibility... not fully transparent with issues that might eff...

Prudential

Prudential terminated my LTD, so now I have no income

Reviewed by Carlos M on June 10th 2022 Verified Policyholder

I was working at a shipyard at San Diego and hurt my back again while working. Hurt my back in the US Navy in 98 and had issues since then so I decided to get the surgery ...

Reply

Sent on June 11th 2022 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Carlos, yes we may be able to help. Please email your denial letter to Rachel@diattorney.com and cc Amanda@diattorney.com. Thank you.

Prudential

Prudential cancelled my policy amid COVID crisis

Reviewed by Patricia M. on September 15th 2020 Verified Policyholder

In the mist of the covid crisis Prudential decided I needed to prove my disability, yet again. I have been physically disabled since 10/31/1989. I now know that I have bee...

Reply

Sent on September 15th 2020 by Attorney Jay Symonds

Patricia: This is a terrible situation. You likely have a right to appeal the decision. I suggest you contact our office and speak with one of the attorneys to discuss in ...

Write a Review See All Reviews

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

(42)

Showing 4 of 42 Answered Questions

Q: Scheduled IME. Should I be concerned about my future LTD?

Answered on April 15th 2026 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Hi Dave,Thanks for reaching out top us regarding your Prudential claim. Any time a claimant is scheduled f...

Q: I made a Short term disability claim with Prudential but they right away went to consider long term disability

Answered on August 1st 2024 by Attorney Jay Symonds

A: Nick: Depending on the timing of when you filed the STD claim, the Elimination period for the LTD may have alr...

Q: Prudential denied me STD due to a doctor who wrote personal things about me, like I still drive.

Answered on May 27th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: We are sorry to hear about your denial. Please contact us and we will review your denial letter. We can discus...

Q: Prudential is sending me to an IME but refuses to allow recording. Should I refuse to go to the IME?

Answered on May 7th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Mike:This is always a tough situation. You cannot refuse to go. I would show up with a witness and a recor...

Ask Our Lawyers a Question See All Answered Questions

Helpful Videos

(926)

Showing 12 of 926 Videos

See All Videos

Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

Showing 4 of 331 Benefit Tips

Prudential Lump Sum Disability Policy Buyout Options

If you're a Prudential long term disability insurance claimant who has been on claim for a month or two, you may be interested in getting a lump sum buyout of your insurance policy. But although Prudential does offer this as an option for many claimants, it's never obligated to buy out disability claimants - and when it comes to your lump-sum disability buyout o...

Is Exhaustion of Remedies Required before filing an ERISA Lawsuit?

In Deborah Holmes v. The Prudential Insurance Company and Bekaert Corporation, the Plaintiff was employed by the Bekaert Corporation (Bekaert) when she was injured at work. She filed a lawsuit unrelated to ERISA and her employer settled with her. In addition, Plaintiff and Bekaert entered into a separation agreement in which Plaintiff signed a general release of legal claims ...

What Should I Expect When Suing Prudential for a Disability Insurance Benefit Denial?

Disability benefit lawsuits against Prudential is a daily occurrence for our lawyers.In this video, disability insurance lawyers Gregory Dell and Rachel Alters discuss their experience in handling ERISA lawsuits against Prudential....

Do I need to disclose my disability insurance claim if I filed for bankruptcy?

Do I need to disclose my disability insurance claim if I filed for bankruptcy?Yes. If you file for bankruptcy it is imperative that you disclose your disability insurance claim regardless of the stage that your claim is in - application, denial, appeal, pending litigation, etc.The Bankruptcy Code and Rules impose an express and affirmative duty on individuals filing for bankruptcy to disclose all asset...

See All Benefit Tips

Our Resolved Cases

(389)

Showing 4 of 389 Our Resolved Cases

Prudential reverses decision to terminate LTD benefits of MRI Tech with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and degenerative Disc Disease

The claimant is a 58-year-old former MRI Technologist for Fairview Health Services who has long suffered from the debilitating effects of her chronic medical conditions. She has a history of neck pain as well as right arm pain and numbness dating back to 2005 with a reoccurrence of severe symptomatology in 2013. MRI of her cervical spine performed in August of ...

Engineer With Depression Wins Prudential LTD Appeal

The claimant is a former Senior Technology Services Engineer for Accolade, Inc. who was forced to cease working on May 25, 2021 and to apply for disability insurance benefits under his policy with Prudential because of severe symptomatology related to depression and anxiety. Prudential initially approved his claim for LTD benefits as his symptoms were demonstrat...

Dell Disability Lawyers Win Disability Insurance Appeal Against Prudential for KPMG Employee

Our client, a former Managing Director - Tax Consultant for KPMG contacted our office after his claim for short term disability benefits was denied by Prudential. He spoke with Attorney Stephen Jessup, who has handled multiple cases for KPMG employees whose disability benefits had been denied by Prudential. In this case our client had filed for disability due to...

Lawyer Wins 24 Month Mental Nervous Prudential Disability Denial

Our client, a former law partner of a large national law firm, filed for disability with Prudential due to severe mental health conditions that resulted in hospitalization. Prudential approved her claim for short and then long term disability benefits and in doing so asserted the 24 month limitation on benefits due to mental health conditions that was contained ...

See All Our Resolved Cases

Disability Lawsuit Stories

(766)

Showing 4 of 766 Lawsuit Stories

Court Finds Prudential Abused its Discretion in Denying LTD Benefits

In James Ampe v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, et al., Plaintiff Ampe worked for several years for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a senior development and test engineer. In August 2011, Ampe slipped and fell in his bathroom, hitting his head.He noticed some cognitive decline over the next few months and took intermittent FMLA leave. Meanwhile, his performance re...

Prudential Wrongfully Relies on Neuropsychological Report to Deny LTD Benefits After 12 Years

Initial denialMr. Paquin became disabled in 2003 after contracting encephalitis from a mosquito infected with the West Nile virus. The infection resulted in brain damage and cognitive impairment rendering Mr. Paquin unable to continue working as a business development director for his employer, Transistor Devices. He qualified for short term and long term disability benefits under his employer sponsored di...

California Court Overturns Prudential Denial of LTD Benefits

In reviewing long term disability denial letters we find that there are a handful of industry wide arguments made by insurance companies to minimize the nature of one’s occupation. The most common being the downplaying of the cognitive demands of a given occupation in favor of focusing solely on the physical demands of the occupation. This often occurs when (1) the nature of the disability is due to a medica...

California Court Overturns Prudential Denial of Disability Benefits

In the case of Gallegos v. Prudential, a California Federal District in the Northern District of California entered an order instructing Prudential to reinstate the benefits to an insured suffering with Lupus. This ruling provides a plethora of useful information in arguing claims for disability stemming from Lupus, but also for any physical medical condition in which an insurance carrier argues a “lack of o...

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

Should the money I used to hire a lawyer be taxable? Am I allowed to contact Social Security directly or does the attorney have to contact them?

Answer

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Submit a Strong Prudential Appeal Package

Sue Prudential

Get Your Prudential Disability Application Approved

Prevent a Prudential Disability Benefit Denial

Negotiate a Prudential Lump-Sum Settlement

Policy Holder Rating

Reply

Reply

Reviews from Our Clients

Request a Free Consultation

5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Questions About Hiring Us