Sun Life Disability Help

Question

Is it common practice for SunLife to threaten vocation review if I don't take their buy outs?

Name: Dell Disability Lawyers
Brand: Dell Disability Lawyers
Rating: 5 (746 reviews)

Asked on June 28th 2012 by Samantha

I have been receiving disability benefits from Sun Life for 3 years. After 3 years I have to be “re-approved with a medical review” and after this medical review they say I’m able to return to work. Of course I’m not. I’m much worse. Anyway, they offered me $20,000 to buy me out of the long term disability and my $82,000 life ins. policy that I also have. If I don’t take the $20,000 pay out, they’re saying it will go to a vocational review. If the vocation review finds a job within my limitations then I would no longer be able to receive benefits or the payout. Is this common practice?

Answer

Answered on June 29th 2012 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Samantha, Yes, this is a strong-arm technique unique to Sun Life. It is likely you should reject their low-ball offer. We have helped numerous Sun Life disability claimants in your exact situation. Please watch the first video at the top of this page (also available on You Tube) discussing your same situation.

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Sun Life Reviews

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Sun Life

Worst company ever

Reviewed by Danyette on January 23rd 2026 Verified Policyholder | December 2025 date of disability

I hate them, nothing else to say.

Sun Life

Extension

Reviewed by Tryan on December 16th 2025 Verified Policyholder | September 2025 date of disability

Originally they approved my disability but even though my drs note and follow up info said if be out til at least the 24th of November this adjuster stopped my payments on...

Sun Life

Unscrupulous Tactics

Reviewed by Misseekayy on December 19th 2023 Verified Policyholder | May 2023 date of disability

Sunlife uses unscrupulous tactics in order to prevent payment of claims. They wait until it is close to the 30 day mark and then they ask for another form of information o...

Sun Life

What a mess

Reviewed by Unknown on September 12th 2023 Verified Policyholder | July 2020 date of disability

This place has no idea what day it even is. First they attach my claim to my previous claim in which was a new claim. They messed up and denied me then made me wait yet ag...

Reply

Sent on September 12th 2023 by Attorney Gregory Dell

I am sorry to hear what you are experiencing. Make sure you deal with Sunlife writing and follow up every day. If you would like assistance please contact us.

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Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

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Q: How does change in LTD administrator affect benefit?

Answered on December 12th 2025 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Gail:There should not be any change on your side as you are still required to submit the same documentation ...

Q: Can SunLife offset dependent social security benefits received on account of my wife's disability?

Answered on May 8th 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

A: Dominick, unfortunately, employer provided disability policies contain language that allows for the offset of ...

Q: Does SunLife have a required time to make a decision? Can they request medical records that have nothing to do with my illness?

Answered on February 19th 2019 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Megan, in an ERISA governed claim Sun Life would have 45 days to make a decision and have the option of taking...

Q: What happens if a policy doesn't mention something I believe I had and paid for (COLA)?

Answered on July 14th 2018 by Attorney Rachel Alters

A: Rachael, if the policy does not mention a COLA then that usually means that the insurance company does not off...

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If you're covered by a long term disability policy offered by Canadian-based carrier Sun Life, you may never have expected to have to submit a claim for disability insurance benefits. At Dell Disability Lawyers, we've handled thousands of these claims and are familiar with the tactics Sun Life and other disability insurance carriers use to try to avoid paying di...

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We represent a 57 year-old claimant who’s occupation was selling commercial vehicles for many years. Her job was very physical as it required her to climb in and out of semi-trucks multiple times a day as well as operate them which was very strenuous. She went out of work in due to ongoing and severe debilitating right hip, low back, and bilateral knee pain...

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Sun Life overturned previous denial of LTD for California Diagnostics Manager

Our client, Ms. G, formerly worked as a Diagnostics Manager for a regional Healthcare System. In October 2016 a number of medical issues, including Stage IV Ovarian Cancer Neoplastic Fatigue, Major Depressive Disorder, Language Disorder and Cognitive Impairment forced Ms. G to stop working and submit her claim for disability benefits under her employer’s long-term disability (LTD) policy, which was funded an...

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The signing of a severance package when leaving a job is not uncommon, but you may be signing away your right to pursue either a short or long term disability insurance claim. A recent lawsuit decision from the Federal Court in New York is a sad result for a SunLife policy holder that waived her right to challenge a SunLife disability benefit denial. This claim ...

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The case of Marco Martinez v. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Sun Life) provides guidance in determining whether Sun Life, can deduct Veterans' Benefits from its monthly disability insurance benefit payment to the Plaintiff. In this case, Plaintiff, who was covered under a disability insurance policy issued by his employer and governed by ERISA, began receivin...

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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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Question

Is it common practice for SunLife to threaten vocation review if I don't take their buy outs?

Answer

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Submit a Strong Sun Life Appeal Package

Sue Sun Life

Get Your Sun Life Disability Application Approved

Prevent a Sun Life Disability Benefit Denial

Negotiate a Sun Life Lump-Sum Settlement

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