Question

Do I have to sign SunLife's Social Security Consent Form?

Asked on November 12th 2014 by Tammie
I recently received a letter from SunLife that requests I fill out a Social Security Consent Form. They want to look into my SSDI benefits and my bank accounts to see if I’m getting overpaid. I’m not. I do receive a payment from my 401K, but even with that I am not far above the poverty level. If they think I’m overpaid, they’ll reduce my LTD benefit and make me pay them back. Do I have to sign this letter? I’ve been diagnosed with ALS since 2010, I need every cent I can get.

Answer

Answered on November 13th 2014 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Tammie, If the policy does not require you to sign the letter then you may not have a legal obligation. That being said, Sun Life may still find out about a SSDI award and offset accordingly. Furthermore, most policies give an insurance carrier the right to deduct an estimated SSDI amount should you fail to apply for SSDI or provide information as to same.