When I did call & reach a live person they were kind & helpful. The person assigned to my claim left one phone message & I have not spoken to her since. Information she re... read more >

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 >

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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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Helpful Videos

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Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

Showing 8 of 331 Benefit Tips

How to Apply for Reliance Standard Disability Benefits & Top 5 Reasons for a Claim Denial

At Dell & Schaefer we’ve handled hundreds of long term disability insurance claims against Reliance Standard, and have learned a few things in the process. When you’re experiencing an injury or illness that makes it difficult (or impossible) to work, it can be tempting to file a claim as quickly as possible – but unless a claimant has all their ducks in a row, this could actually delay the ultimate r... Read More >

Why Must Your Disability Insurance Lawyer Understand Your Disabling Condition?

When it comes to securing your disability insurance benefits, it's vitally important that your disability insurance lawyer thoroughly understands the symptoms and impact of your disabling condition. Doctors can help you create strong medical records, but they're not accustomed to dealing with the rigorous documentation disability insurance companies require. Lea... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #5 – Your Medical Evidence is Weak

If you're seeking long term disability benefits from an insurance company, you may be concerned that you're facing an uphill battle. Fortunately, the stronger your medical evidence, the greater the odds that your claim will be approved. On the other side of the coin, one of the most common reasons for denial of long term disability benefits involves too-weak med... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #4 - Your Doctor Is Misled By the Disability Company

When you're seeking disability insurance benefits, your medical records and treating physician's statement are two of the most important components of your claim. But because the insurance company has a vested interest in denying your disability insurance claim, it often will rely on tactics like ambushing your doctor with a phone call in an attempt to get them ... Read More >

Disability Benefit Denial Reason #3 - Video & Social Media Surveillance

One thing many disability insurance claimants don't know about (or expect) from the claims review process involves video and social media surveillance. Disability insurance carriers often hire people to follow claimants around with a telephoto lens - or even send social media friend requests from fake accounts - to glean whatever information they can about the c... Read More >

How Do You Fight a Long-Term Disability Denial?

Getting a denial letter from your disability insurance company is one of the ultimate insults. You are sick and not able to work, yet your disability insurance company is telling you to return to work. The disability insurance company has denied your disability benefit claim and is basically calling you a liar. When receiving a disability denial letter or a ph... Read More >

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

One of the top reasons for terminating a claimant's long term disability benefits involves the change in the disability insurance policy's definition of "disability." This definition change often happens in conjunction with a vocational review, or an analysis of a claimant's medical records that tells the insurance company which jobs the claimant should be able ... Read More >

Disability Denial Reason #1 – Paper Review & IME

At Dell Disability Lawyers, we've seen insurance companies give countless reasons to deny long term disability benefits. However, most disability benefit denials tend to fall into one of a few categories - and one of the biggest ones is the paper review and independent medical exam (IME). Learn more about what this review process entails and what your claim file... Read More >

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Dell Disability Cases

(375)

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 Management Company was significantly injured in a serious motor vehicle accident which occurred on June 26, 2017. This accident changed her life forever. Due to the accident, our now client suffered from a traumatic brain injury which led to diagnoses such a post-concussi... 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 Ischemic Attacks (“TIAs”) or mini-strokes which left him with debilitating physical and cognitive impairments. Mr. S made several attempts to return to work failed but continued to suffer slurred speech, headaches, pressure in the back of his head and memory loss, h... 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 following an ischemic stroke forced Mr. L to stop working and submit his claim for disability benefits under his employer's long-term disability (LTD) policy, which was funded and administered by Reliance Standard. Under his employer's disability policy he would be considered t... 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. Julie received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and chemotherapy. Although the chemotherapy and treatment likely saved her life, she remained suffering from residual neuropathy in her hands and feet, as well as chronic and severe fa... 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 to debilitating chronic pain stemming from a multitude of lumbar and cervical spine disorders. Reliance Standard initially approved his claim for short term disability benefits and without issue approved his claim for long term disability benefits once the period of sho... 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 Company. In 2015, a number of medical issues, namely, chronic daily pain, sleep difficulties, fatigue and cognitive and memory impairments forced Ms. L to stop working and submit her claim for long-term disability benefits. In addition to these symptoms her doctors susp... 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. Her employer, a large medical healthcare system, provided Ms. L and its other employees group long-term disability insurance through Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company ("Reliance Standard"). In 2014 Ms. L's vision degraded so severely that her doctors diagnosed h... 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 his life including a child custody battle which threw him into major depression and severe anxiety preventing him from being able to work in his occupation as an engineer. The claimant contacted Dell Disability Lawyers to assist him with his appeal as he did not believe h... Read More >

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Disability Lawsuit Stories

(765)

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 health information services at Integrity Health Care when she stopped working on August 7, 2017. She brought claims for benefits under an LTD insurance policy and a waiver of premiums under a life insurance policy.In order to be approved for LTD benefits, Plaintiff ... 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 life insurance policy provided as a benefit by his employer, Barnes & Noble, where he was employed as an assistant store manager. The policy was issued by Reliance Standard. On about November 12, 2012, Mr. Rizzo stopped working due to his multiple medical problems. He... 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 Kalitta Air, was in the pilot seat of a single engine plane that crashed in January 1979. He suffered numerous fractures and required surgery. He developed Hepatitis C due to a blood transfusion he received following the accident.In December 2013, the Hepatitis C... 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 System as a registered nurse when she became ill in October 2012 and took medical leave. She returned to work on April 7, 2013, but stopped working again on May 13, 2013, and did not return.Plaintiff filed a claim for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. There were som... 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. (LCP) as a riverboat pilot when he quit working due to a disability. At the time his employer provided short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) coverage through Prudential Life Insurance Company.Prudential paid Plaintiff short-term disability bene... 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 medical transcriptionist when she stopped working due to pain from sciatica. She applied for total long-term disability (LTD) benefits through her employer's insurance provider, Reliance.Plaintiff claimed that sitting for more than 20 minutes at a time caused her excruc... Read More >

Reliance's Termination of Disability Benefits was Arbitrary and Capricious When it Discounted Supporting Medical Evidence Without Reason

In Leo Noga v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance), Plaintiff, a financial advisor with Fulton Financial, stopped working on February 27, 2015. At the time, he was covered under a disability insurance policy issued by Reliance. The terms of the policy granted Reliance the discretion to determine benefit eligibility. Those covered must submit satisfactory proof of total disability in o... 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 Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) to recover long-term disability (“LTD”) benefits, which Reliance Standard denied on the ground that plaintiff could perform her “Regular Occupation” and was therefore not “disabled” within the meaning of the LTD policy a... Read More >

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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!

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