After they miscalculated my salary and overpaid my benefits, Reliance Standard is now attempting to make me pay back their overpayment.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last March and went through hell getting approved for LTD from Reliance. Apparently, they don’t think cancer is a disability. The amount of records I had to provide along with their demands for a response within a small time frame (or they threatened to close the claim) led me to having to wait 3 months for approval and my 1st check. I was out of work approximately 6 months and always had to wait a minimum of 6 weeks for each check. I returned to work in September on a reduced schedule (5 hours a day) so they are paying me partial disability for my unworked hours. I never collected LTD before, and noted that the amounts seemed high but figured that these payments were unlike my usual pay checks and did not have the deductions I pay when I am working. And considering the money was for over a period of 6-8 weeks, the amount would be more. I received a check 2 weeks ago and they called me and said to void it because it was the wrong amount and they would be issuing me a new check. After waiting the 2 weeks for the replacement check, I called and they informed me that when they processed my initial claim they miscalculated my salary and have overpaid me. They said I would receive a letter offering me the option to pay a lump sum or they will just discontinue paying me to cover their losses. So, what I am faced with is paying back approximately $17,000 (which I don’t have) or continue to work my 5 hours a day and try to survive on that. I expect to return to work on a fulltime basis around August when I am done with cancer treatment. So for the next 5 months, I will struggle to pay my expenses, without the supplement from LTD. I realise now that I was over paid, but why do I have to pay for their mistake? If I had a choice to make them wait for their money, believe me I would after all the grief they put me through. When you are fighting cancer, the last thing you need is more stress and Reliance made my life hell, trying to get the benefits I deserved.