Question
How can I get Reliance Standard to pay me the full amount of my withheld SSDI benefits?
My husband is on LTD through Reliance Standard. He does work part time and they do subtract 1/2 that amount from his check. They forced him to apply for SSDI which has been denied. It was denied because he is able to work part time, which they were aware of the entire time. They began withholding the estimated SSDI amount 6 months ago and are still withholding this amount after the denial. How can we get them to pay the full amount of his benefits again? Can we ask them for interest on the withheld money? Is it even legal for them to withhold at all? They now are slamming us with paperwork again (their usual mode of operation) with no acknowledgement of the denial. Is there an insurance board we can contact?
Answer
Ej, typically RSL will only withhold funds if SSDI has not been applied for. My recommendation at this point would be to start with a letter to them (1) advising them of the basis of denial and providing the denial, (2) reminding them that he is working (3) that you have fulfilled the obligation under the policy to apply for the SSDI, and (4) demanding the withheld SSDI be paid. You can file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner.
