Reliance Standard

Do not use Reliance Standard's reccomended Social Security Lawyers

Reviewed by Sheila on February 15th 2012   Verified Policyholder
I have arrived at the dreaded 2 year mark of receiving LTD benefits at the same time that I have been approved for SSDI. I filed for continuation of benefits back in November 2011 and have yet to receive a response. I have spoken to my claims administrator on numerous occasions and she has stated that it is still in review. To be honest, this is the first time it has taken Reliance so long to respond or to extend the benefits. I am sure it is because of the SSDI approval. I have received the letter from them regarding the “overpayment” and I have responded to them that the language in the letter implies continued benefits should I forward them the “overpayment” received from SSA, however, as they have yet to notify me of their decision/determination, I cannot adequately respond to their request. I received an email reply that says, “We do not give written confirmation when your benefits have been extended. You can call me, email me, or contact the customer service department and they will be able to advise of continuation of benefits. Please call me to discuss overpayment letter that you received and I will clarify the appeal language as well as advise of current status.” Their letter is written as though they have notified me of their decision with timelines, document requests and rights to appeal and civil actions, etc. along with the powerful sentence “One review will be allowed.” In my response to them, I stated that all of this language was premature as I had not received a decision/determination of continuation of benefits and had nothing to which to base a review or appeal upon and requested that they tell me in writing the status of my continued benefits. Each time I have provided the additional information that they request to continue benefits, I ask them to put in writing that they have approved my continuation of benefits and for how long and they always refuse. In this case at this point in time, I refuse to go forward without something in writing. What do I do from here? I do not want to have verbal conversations and have requested to be in writing, do they have to comply?

As it is, I already have to live with the decision I made early in the process when I was having to have surgery after surgery after surgery and used RSLI recommended attorney. PEOPLE, DO NOT DO IT. Do not sign over your rights by using a group of attorneys connected to the insurance company. Believe me, there is some waiver in the documents that you are signing (albeit could be in small print) that gives that attorney the right to share your information with the insurance company. Do not despair if you have already done so, because same document states that you can notify them in writing at any time that you do not want your information shared with the insurance company and that no further contact is to be made between them and the insurance company regarding your claim. They must cease and desist immediately. Send an email first followed by registered/certified mail. Don’t forget you signed a waiver for SSA to provide the information to the insurance company too. It was in the package that you received from the insurance company.

Gregory, I already went through the SS process and was recently approved. What is happening now is that Reliance is denying benefits due to what they call the SSDI “overpayment” and I call backpayment. Semantics, I know. I had submitted a cliam for continuation of benefits in November and Reliance owed me a response by January 11, 2011 and did not give me one, nor did they notify me they needed an extension and why. They had found out through my SSD attorneys that I had received a favorable decision and withheld their decision awaiting information regarding the award amount and how much the back payment would be. I had been calling and emailing requesting status of my claim for continued benefits between January 10 and February 12 with either no response or a verbal it is still in review. I questioned the amount of time it was taking and stated, isn’t RSLI required to provide a determination in writing within 45 days. Her reply was that they were not held to that standard on continuation of benefit reviews. I received a letter from them on February 13, 2012 notifying me that I owed them the SSDI “overpayment” and that my benefits would be 0 until I sent them the money. I sent a letter and email response letting them know that they owed me a decision/determination of continuation of benefits. Their reply is in my first post above. I spoke to her per her request (see 2nd post above). My “attorneys” notified Relliance Standard of my benefit determination and the award values before I was even notified – I found out what they were from Reliance Standard on January 27th when I called to ask the status of my claim for continuation of benefits. I asked her where she got information that I wasn’t even aware of and she told me The Advocator Group (my attorneys who were recommended by Reliance Standard) gave it to her. What I want people to know is – DO NOT USE THE INSURANCE COMPANY RECOMMENDED ATTORNEYS! – keep your business totally separate by using attorneys that have no relationship whatsoever with the insurance and protect your interests. The insurance company will also include a release in their documentation that they want you to sign allowing SSA to release information to them – don’t do it. In addition, they will put a document in their document set that allows your attorneys to release information to them. Don’t do it.
Reply
Sent on February 15th 2012 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Sheila, thanks for sharing your experience. Reliance Standard is required to respond to all of your request and letters in writing. Make sure you are sending them certified mail and saving all fax confirmation if you use fax. The 2 year change of definition is a very common time for Reliance to deny a long term disability claim. We often see that Reliance will wait until you send them the SSDI overpayment and then they will deny your claim. We are currently litigating a case right now where Reliance paid for the OWN OCC. period then denied for the ANY OCC. period at two years. The client appealed the denial at the two year mark and won his appeal. A few months latter he was approved for SSDI and sent the overpayment to Reliance. Reliance subsequently set him for an IME exam with a hired gun doctor. The IME doctor decided the client was not disabled and then Reliance immediately denied benefits again. An appeal was filed again but Reliance confirmed their denial. This case is currently in litigation in Federal Court due to Reliance’s wrongful denial. If your claim has been denied, you must comply with the Appeal deadlines. If you receive a denial letter, then please contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.


I agree with you that there is a conflict of interest when Reliance Standard is trying to say that you are no longer disabled, but we are going to hire a lawyer to get you approved for SSDI. If Reliance Standard does not think you are disabled then how could they in good faith even ask you to apply for SSDI benefits. I agree that the SSDI attorney that you select should not communicate with Reliance Standard unless they have your exclusive permission. You also need to make sure that if you have an SSDI, then the SSDI medical conditions must be consistent with the same medical conditions submitted to Reliance Standard.

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Reliance Standard Reviews
(48)

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Showing 8 of 48 Reviews
Reliance Standard

Staff Lie

Reviewed by Tanya on February 12th 2024   Verified Policyholder | August 2021 date of disability
I had my disability cut off the day I was scheduled to find out whether I should have surgery. The claims examiner was aware that I had an appointment on that date and sai... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 12th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell

I am sorry to hear about your experience. It’s crazy that Reliance Standard would deny your disability benefits when you are suffering so badly that you need surgery.... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard denied my LTD benefits because COVID-19 limited my ability to provide proof of continued disability.

Reviewed by Ken S. on February 11th 2021   Verified Policyholder
Hello, I have a LTD policy with Reliance Standard and it has been paid (considered disabled) for 14 plus years. However, due to limited doctors visits / records this past ... read more >
Reply
Sent on February 11th 2021 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia

Ken, it’s important to ensure that if your claim is denied your Appeal be exhaustive, comprehensive, and contain not only all of your relevant medical records, but th... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard cut off my LTD benefits claiming I'm fit enough to work even though I'm more sick than before.

Reviewed by Jeff S. on July 7th 2020   Verified Policyholder
It should be criminal that this company treats sick people like this who just want PTO be left alone! I received a call from Reliance on 7/6/20 cutting me off after 1 year... read more >
Reply
Sent on July 7th 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Jeff, in my opinion Reliance Standard is one of the more difficult insurance companies to deal with. What you are experiencing they do day in, day out. You can certainl... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard notified me that my benefits were being stopped with no warning or reason.

Reviewed by Deborah S. on June 5th 2020   Verified Policyholder
Horrible company! Phoned me on June 4th to let me know that I would no longer be receiving benefits as of June 3rd. Just like that! No questions asked and no info given!
Reply
Sent on June 5th 2020 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Deborah, I am sorry to hear of the denial of your claim and how you were provided no notice of an immediate end of your income. Please contact us at once for a free con... read more >

Reliance Standard

I was receiving LTD from Reliance Standard due to breast cancer until they suddenly denied me my benefits.

Reviewed by Mary Anne B. on March 3rd 2020   Verified Policyholder
I was diagnosed stage 2 breast cancer June 2015 and went out on std with Reliance. Within 4 months following my status changed to stage 4 with Mets to my spine. STD conver... read more >
Reply
Sent on March 3rd 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Mary Anne, your recourse would be to go through the administrative appeal process and if that is denied to file lawsuit. Please contact our office to discuss the denial... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard never answers or returns my calls, has not provided me my benefits, and falsely claims I never provided necessary paperwork.

Reviewed by Chrystall on July 5th 2017   Verified Policyholder
I have been on STDI since April 28th, 2017 and I have only received what they say is a “courtesy payment” because they know the hardship which I am facing. I call mult... read more >
Reply
Sent on July 5th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Chrystall, please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim. Needless to say, the carrier is well beyond the typical timeframe to render a decision on a STD... read more >

Reliance Standard

Reliance Standard is unreasonably prolonging the transition from STD to LTD for my boyfriend.

Reviewed by Wendy on April 4th 2017   Verified Policyholder
In August 2016 my boyfriend was placed on disability by his family physician. A short background, he is a type I Diabetic since age 4 and had to have multiple lumbar back ... read more >
Reply
Sent on April 4th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Wendy, please contact our office to discuss the claim further. Decisions on long term disability claim applications should only take about 45-60 days. If the claim is d... read more >

Reliance Standard

The appeals process with Reliance Standard is very frustrating. I'm not sure how to get an answer from them.

Reviewed by Rachel on October 23rd 2016   Verified Policyholder
I started with Reliance Standard when i had surgery 4/13, complications in surgery caused my recover last longer and brought my Lupus out of remission. I stayed on STD wit... read more >
Reply
Sent on October 23rd 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Rachel, if your claim was denied and your appeal already submitted there may be little that can be done until such time that RSL renders a decision on your appeal, whic... read more >

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(25)
Showing 8 of 25 Answered Questions

Q: Are VA disability payments considered “other income” by Reliance Standard?

Answered on October 25th 2023 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: The disability policy may allow Reliance Standard to deduct and offset your monthly benefit payment by your VA... Read More >

Q: Denied short term disability and need to file for long term with same insurer

Answered on June 29th 2023 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: We would be more than happy to speak with you and review your denial letter and policy and discuss how we can ... Read More >

Q: Will Reliance Standard reduce my LTD payments due to my pension benefits or rental income?

Answered on November 3rd 2022 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: ARH, I am happy to hear of your LTD approval, though I am sorry to hear of your medical conditions. The LTD po... Read More >

Q: Why is Reliance Standard trying to recover payments I was awarded through another company?

Answered on August 6th 2020 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Dani, your disability plan may contain a provision which allows Reliance to claim and recover an overpayment o... Read More >

Q: Do I have to provide additional proof of my disability that's specifically requested by Reliance Standard?

Answered on July 11th 2020 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Fred, I am sorry to hear all that you have been through medically and in dealing with Reliance Standard. Unfor... Read More >

Q: How do I access a copy of my STD policy with Reliance Standard?

Answered on March 26th 2019 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Vicki, I am sorry to hear the trouble you are having with the Standard. It seems they are certainly make thing... Read More >

Q: If I'm not receiving the SSDI benefits for my children from Reliance Standard due to custody, should my SSDI benefits increase?

Answered on July 11th 2018 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Bill, it depends on terms and conditions relating to “other income benefits” and “offset” under your f... Read More >

Q: How can Reliance Standard not coordinate with both of my disability insurance policies?

Answered on December 13th 2017 by Attorney Stephen Jessup
A: Jerry, you will need to review your RSL policy to determine what it deems to be a source of “Other Income”... Read More >
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Disability Benefit Tips
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Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance

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Disability Denial Reason #2 - Change of Disability Definition & Vocational Review

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Dell Disability Cases
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Showing 8 of 375 Dell Disability Cases

How does Reliance Standard deny long term disability benefits after paying for three years?

A former Payroll Manager for Solairus Aviation, a large Private Jet Charter and Aircraft Mana... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturned its previous denial of long term disability benefits for Texas Retail Store Manager

Our client, Mr. S, formerly worked as a Store Manager for a large national retail chain. In August 2016 Mr. S suffered from multiple Transient... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturned LTD denial for Tennessee Technology Sales Consultant

Our client, Mr. L, formerly worked as a Sales Consultant for a global technology company. In September 2014 a number of medical issues followi... Read More >

Reliance Standard overturns decision to deny long-term disability benefits to Paediatrician with Ovarian Cancer

Prior to her disability Dr. Julie worked as a pediatric physician for a nationally recognized health system based in Florida. In 2015, Dr. Jul... Read More >

Reliance Standard reinstates disability benefits to Project Manager

Our client, a former Senior Project Manager for a national corporation, was receiving long term disability benefits from Reliance Standard due... Read More >

Reliance Standard Reinstates Benefits for Former Employee of Parent Company, Delphi Financial, Following Successful Appeal

Our client, Ms. L, formerly worked as a National Account Manager for Delphi Financial Group, the parent company of Reliance Standard Insurance... Read More >

Reliance Standard Overturns Denial of Benefits on Appeal After Claiming It Failed to Receive Medical Records

Ms. L was employed as a registered nurse when she was diagnosed with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, optic atrophy and visual field defect... Read More >

After sending claimant to a psychiatric IME, Reliance Standard realizes its decision to deny benefits was incorrect

Reliance Standard Incorrectly Denies BenefitsThe claimant had been suffering from severe depression and anxiety due to many stressors in h... Read More >
Disability Lawsuit Stories
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Showing 8 of 765 Lawsuit Stories

Reliance Standard Disability Denial Upheld Due to Claimant's Lack of Strong Medical Record Support

In the case of Amy Wright v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff was the vice-president of... Read More >

Reliance Standard Wrongfully Denies Life Insurance Waiver of Premium and Must Pay $188,000

In Jody Rizzo v. First Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, plaintiff’s late husband, Angelo Rizzo, participated in a group l... Read More >

Is Plaintiff Entitled to LTD Benefits When Unable to Work in Any Occupation?

In Tiedel v. Reliance Standard life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff Tiedel, a full-time flight engineer for K... Read More >

Can Employer’s Transfer of Coverage Effect an Employee’s Disability Claim?

In the case of Cheryl L. Wallace v. Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. (Oakwood), Plaintiff was employed by Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. Health Sy... Read More >

Court Upholds Reliance’s Denial of Disability Benefits to Riverboat Pilot

In Michael G. Miller v. Reliance Standard Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff worked for Lake Charles Pilots, Inc... Read More >

Reliance Termination of Benefits Is Upheld When Evidence Was Conflicting

In Karen Gammon v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff worked for Cape Cod Hospital for 23 years as a med... Read More >

District Court Holds That Reliance Standard Did Not Properly Consider Whether Traveling Nurse Could Perform The Material Duties Of Her Regular Occupation

In Sue Ray v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, W.D. Washington, July 31, 2018, Plaintiff filed suit under the Employee Retirement Inc... Read More >

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Our goal is to get your application for disability income benefits approved. Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process and the information you provide is critical. Most disability insurance companies look at your application in hopes of finding a reason to deny your claim. Your disability company will ask you to complete numerous forms, interview you, request lots of information, speak with your doctors and possibly request to have you examined by their "hired gun" doctor.

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Preparing a strong disability appeal package is an art that requires you to understand how the courts interpret your disability policy language, ERISA regulations / laws, and how to strategically present evidence in support of your definition of "disability". We encourage you to contact any of our lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

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Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance lawyers that know how to get your short or long term disability benefits paid. As a nationwide law firm we have helped thousands of disability insurance claimants throughout the United States to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of disability insurance benefits from every major disability insurance company.

In more than 98% of our cases, our lawyers have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement. Our lawyers have seen it all when it comes to disability insurance claims and we know exactly what it takes for your disability claim to be approved.

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Our lawyers help individuals that have either purchased a long term disability insurance policy from an insurance company or obtained short or long term disability insurance coverage as a benefit from their employer. We have helped individuals in almost every type of occupation with monthly disability benefit payments ranging from $1,500 to $50,000.

Our clients include all types of employees ranging from retail associates, sales representatives, government employees, police officers, teachers, janitors, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, financial advisors, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, consultants, IT professionals, engineers, professional athletes, business owners, and high level executives.

A strong understanding and presentation of the duties of your occupation is essential for securing disability insurance benefits.

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Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

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Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

In every case we provide each client with a written fee agreement detailing the terms and conditions. We always offer a free initial phone consultation and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in obtaining payment of your disability insurance benefits.

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No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via phone, email, fax, GoToMeeting sessions, or Skype. If you prefer an initial in-person meeting please let us know. A disability company will never require you to come to their office and similarly we are set up so that we handle your entire claim without the need for you to come to our office.

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When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-698-9159 or by email. Lawyers and staff must return all client calls same day. Client emails are usually replied to within the same business day and seem to be the preferred and most efficient method of communication for most clients.