Question

Should I be entitled to more money from my survivor benefits through Reliance Standard?

Asked on March 27th 2014 by Deb
My husband was on LTD with Reliance for two years following a stroke. Every thing I’ve read here was true in our case. Played the game and after four months received checks. Filed for SSD and received it. Paid back what we owed to Reliance and received a check from them for $300 a month which was the difference between what SSD paid vs what Reliance owed. Husband died last month and informed Reliance. Told there is a survivor benefit. Sent them a copy of death certificate and received a check in the mail for $916. The check stub said $69 of it was for the one day he lived after the last payment. Letter we received from Reliance telling us he was approved said his monthly benefit was $2098.56. I understand survivor payment in three months lump sum. Am I entitled to more money? Have not cashed the check.

Answer

Answered on March 28th 2014 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Deb, first and foremost, I am sorry for your loss. If SSA pays a survivor benefit then Reliance may be able to try to offset it. I would strongly suggest you inquire of them in writing why the survivor benefit is not three months equal to the full amount. That way they are forced to put their position in writing and allow for a better analysis of your rights.