Question

Do Unum benefits run for a lifetime?

Asked on October 3rd 2013 by Thomas
Do all Unum policies stop at age 65? A few months ago my case worker told me it ran out at my death. The company I work for was bought be another company and they say they don’t have my records.

Answer

Answered on October 4th 2013 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Thomas, The only Unum policies I have seen that run for your lifetime our privately purchased policies that contain an additionally purchased lifetime benefit rider. I have not encountered a Unum group disability policy that provides lifetime benefits. I would suggest you obtain a copy of the policy for clarification.

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Unum Reviews
(61)

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1.6 out of 5
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Showing 8 of 61 Reviews
Unum

Unum Closed My Case Today

Reviewed by Scott C. on July 5th 2024   Verified Policyholder | March 2023 date of disability
Unum will keep you around, if they pay you 100 a month. But as soon as have to pay more than 2700 a month, they will drop you. We will be going to the attorneys office fir... read more >
Unum

Low payments

Reviewed by Dorothy on November 30th 2023   Verified Policyholder | November 2023 date of disability
I was injured at work. I did house keeping in a hospital. I tore just about everything imaginable in my knee. I was let go from my job, because I was no longer able to do ... read more >
Unum

They closed my claim and I have been without income since they closed it

Reviewed by Mary C. on November 8th 2023   Verified Policyholder
Went off work on 9/26/22 due to back issues. Applied for Short Term Disability. On Jan 2023 switched over to Long Term Disability and Unum had me to apply for Social Secur... read more >
Unum

I feel like Unum is giving me the runaround!

Reviewed by Rachelle H. on May 11th 2022   Verified Policyholder
I have contacted UNUM multiple times since I’ve needed them. I feel like they are giving me the runaround! Please help!
Reply
Sent on May 11th 2022 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Rachelle, the law provides certain timelines and deadlines with which to provide information or decisions. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your situat... read more >

Unum

Unum terminated my benefits with no warning

Reviewed by K. Potter on September 9th 2020   Verified Policyholder
I was told I was covered with Unum through my employer (continuum). I got an email today for my termination, no prior talks of infractions with attendance, no warnings, no... read more >
Reply
Sent on September 9th 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

K. Potter, termination as in your employment was terminated or a disability claim was terminated? If your employment was terminated and you had not filed a claim for di... read more >

Unum

I've been trying to care care of my Unum benefits for over a year. They’ve been so rude

Reviewed by Tracey W. on August 30th 2020   Verified Policyholder
I have been trying to take care of my Unum benefits for over a year. I’ve called and back in November I did appeal letter, they say they never received. I did everything... read more >
Reply
Sent on August 30th 2020 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Tracey, I am sorry to hear of your issues with Unum. We would love to learn more about your claim to see if we can get Unum to pay or if we can sue them with you. Pleas... read more >

Unum

I've paid for STD for 20+ years. Now, I'm actually sick and can't get paid

Reviewed by Natalie on June 29th 2020   Verified Policyholder
My employer uses unum for short-term disability. I was hospitalized back on june 13 and discharged on june 25. I was admitted for double pneumonia and hypoxia, which I end... read more >
Reply
Sent on June 29th 2020 by Attorney Rachel Alters

Natalie, hopefully your claim will be approved. If they deny the STD claim then you will need to appeal the determination.

Unum

Unum thought I was fine to work. I wasn't

Reviewed by Elizabeth L. on May 21st 2020   Verified Policyholder
48 yoa dentist POTs Dx aug 22. Attempted to return to work initially but got sick. Was going to go back 2 days/wk in September but could not. Then did go back part time as... read more >
Reply
Sent on May 21st 2020 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Elizabeth, please contact our office to discuss the denial of your claim and your rights to pursue legal action against Unum.

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
(101)
Showing 8 of 101 Answered Questions

Q: Is UNUM obligated to pay my children SSI amount with COLA increase to me after they turn 18 or the original award amount?

Answered on October 3rd 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Once the SSDI benefits for your minor children stop then Unum should be responsible to continue paying you the... Read More >

Q: ER physician Unum mental health claim for 40 years

Answered on September 18th 2024 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Physician, in all likelihood, there will never be a time that you will "no longer have to have on going care a... Read More >

Q: Requesting a Copy of my LTD ERISA Policy from UNUM

Answered on August 20th 2024 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Whatever policy is in effect at the time of your disability is the one that applies. Read More >

Q: I am now concerned if I am not able to return to work after 6 months Unum will stop paying me.

Answered on June 26th 2024 by Attorney Cesar Gavidia
A: Unum will review your medical records and likely focus on the progress of your surgery recovery. It is importa... Read More >

Q: Can receiving a Unum group LTD benefit settlement lower my SSDI benefit?

Answered on March 29th 2024 by Attorney Gregory Dell
A: Jeff,The acceptance of a Unum Lump Sum Buyout offer should not reduce your ssdi benefit. You should contact ... Read More >

Q: Do we have any legal action against Unum?

Answered on January 15th 2024 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: I am sorry to hear of Unum’s actions here and how they have treated your claim, especially in their long del... Read More >

Q: Is it normal for “UNUM” to ask for a police report?

Answered on January 15th 2024 by Attorney Alex Palamara
A: Derrick, a simple answer to your question is Yes, if there was some sort of MVA accident which caused or contr... Read More >

Q: Unum stopped my COLA benefits at age 65

Answered on December 19th 2023 by Attorney Rachel Alters
A: Unum policies usually only pay COLA increases until you turn 65 even if the policy pays longer. Read More >
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Is UNUM a Good Insurance Company?

One common question the attorneys here at Dell Disability Lawyers receive comes from policyholders with UNUM long term disability policies. These claimants want to know, “Is UNUM a "good" insurance company?” But what is this question really asking? Learn more about what claimants may be able to expect when filing a&nbs... Read More >

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When it comes to long term disability (LTD) insurance, every UNUM disability insurance policy is written a little differently. But while many disability insurance  claimants may mainly be focused on the maximum benefit period - or the maximum amount of time the claimant can receive benefits under the policy, often age 65 - this benefit period may carry less wei... Read More >

Can You Sue UNUM?

If UNUM denies your long term disability insurance claim, can you sue? Generally, the answer is yes - but with some qualifications. Learn more about what a claimant may expect from the administrative procedures and appeal process they'll need to pursue after UNUM has denied their disability insurance claim.What to expect in a Group Policy... Read More >

How Does UNUM Define Disability?

UNUM Group - the Tennessee-based Fortune 500 insurance company that includes UNUM US, UNUM UK, and Colonial Life - defines disability in its own unique way. This means that the most commonly-accepted interpretations of "disabled" or "disability" may not quite gel with what UNUM considers disabled. What should long term disability insurance claimants know ab... Read More >

Beware of Traveling While on Disability with Unum

In the past several months our office has been hired by two separate clients who had individual disability policies purchased privately through insurance agents; that had received benefits for an extended period of time; and that were denied by Unum, in part, on the basis that their ability to travel was indicative of the ability to work. The first client, a doctor had coverage with Paul Revere Life Insurance ... Read More >

If I Sue Unum for a Disability Insurance Denial, What Should I Anticipate?

Disability insurance Attorneys Gregory Dell and Stephen Jessup discuss the numerous issues that a long term disability claimant should expect when filing an ERISA disability lawsuit against UNUM. This video provides some basic information about the lawsuit process. Our lawyers have helped thousands of claimants nationwide to obtain long term disability benefits.... Read More >

Unum Disability Benefit Denial Trends, A Legal Perspective

In this video we discuss the recent trends they have observed with regard to Unum Insurance Company's denial of long term disability benefits. We offer some tips that can either help you to avoid a claim denial or possibly improve your chances to stay on claim. Contact any of our disability insurance lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your disability cla... Read More >

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Unum reached a new low today which displays absolute disregard for the rights of a UNUM insured. Our law firm advised Unum in a January 16, 2016 letter that we would be sending a videographer to record the Orthopedic Compulsory (Independent!) Medical Examination requested by UNUM. On January 18, 2016 Unum sent us a letter stating that they scheduled a videographer and that UNUM would pay for the videographer. ... Read More >
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Transportation Manager with Brain Injury Wins Unum Disability Benefit Appeal

Unum unjustly terminated our client’s disability insurance claim after it had approved and accepted liability for six months. Unum unreasonably concluded, without any evidence of improvement, that the claimant had resumed the sustained work capacity to perform the material and substantial duties of her high level occupation as a Transportation Division Manage... Read More >

Louisiana State College Director Wins Unum LTD Appeal But Then Denied Again

Client was Regional Director for the State of Louisiana. She was diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. In 2020 she underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Unfortunately the surgery did very little to resolve her neck pain, radiculopathy and discomfort.She was a Regional Di... Read More >

Unum Approves LTD Benefits for Pharmacist with Eye Disorder

Rachel Alters of Dell Disability Attorney’s currently represents an Ambulatory Operations Pharmacy Manager at the University of Missouri who recently suffered an acute retinal detachment leading to multiple corrective surgeries which unfortunately failed. She is an accomplished medical professional and health system executive with not only a doctor of pha... Read More >

Billing Manager With Back Disorder Wins Unum Long Term Disability Denial Appeal

Despite suffering with chronic knee and back pain for 7 Years, Unum still needed to be convinced that their disability benefit denial was wrong.Prior to filing her claim for LTD benefits, our client had worked for 13 years as a Billing Manager for an Accounting Firm in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, for some time she suffered from lower back issues that mad... Read More >

Unum Lifts Mental Health Limitation on Disability Claim

When our client first contacted our office and spoke with Attorney Stephen Jessup her claim for long term disability benefits had been approved by Unum under the 24 month mental health limitation contained in most Unum group disability policies. Despite our client’s attempts to prove to Unum that she was suffering from epileptic seizures, which were the true cause of her inability to work, Unum held fast to ... Read More >

Unum Approves Long Term Disability Application to a Program Manager

Our client, a high level Program Manager for a large international aeronautics company, was involved in an automobile accident that resulted in physical and emotional injuries, which impacted her ability to meet the demands of her job. Prior to hiring our office she filed her application for short term disability benefits under her employer’s disability insurance plan with Unum. From the onset of her short t... Read More >

After appeal filed by Attorney Jay Symonds, UNUM overturned previous denial of long term disability benefits for South Carolina Nurse

Our client, Ms. L, formerly worked as a Registered Nurse for a nursing home. In November 2014 a number of chronic physical conditions and pain forced Ms. L to stop working and submit her claim for disability benefits first under her employer’s short term disability (“STD”) Policy then continuing under her employer’s Long-Term Disability (“LTD”) Policy both benefits were administered and funded by C... Read More >

Unum Overturns Original Decision to Deny Benefits to Disabled Account Manager Following Appeal Submitted by Dell Disability Lawyers Appeals Team

In 2016, Sarah, an Account Manager, began suffering severe abdominal pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea. The frequency and condition was so severe that she was diagnosed with anemia from the blood loss and profound fatigue from the nutrient loss. By the end of 2016 Sarah was no longer capable of effectively performing the material and substantial duties of her own occupation as an account manager and was forc... Read More >
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Unum Wrongfully Terminated Disabled Lawyer’s Disability Claim of Depression and Anxiety Despite Improvement in His Condition

This Unum lawsuit and appeal in federal court is a great victory for all Unum disability claimants. This case supports all claimants that are disabled and claim that they cannot return to work as the requirements of their job will aggravate their symptoms and make them unable to work.Mark was a personal injury litigation attorney, when he began struggling with symptoms of... Read More >

Court Rules Plaintiff's Medical Records Was Replete With Evidence Supporting Claim of MS & Was Not A Pre-Existing Condition

BackgroundIn Bayer v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, C.A. No. 18-9702 (E.D. LA 2020), Plaintiff began working as a senior property manager for Sealy Operating III, Inc., in September 2014. According to Sealy’s written job description, Plaintiff’s job duties included maintaining properties in good order and condition by contracting and scheduling necessary repairs and maintenance, con... Read More >

After paying for 13 years Unum Denies Disability Benefits to Woman with Lyme Disease and Endometriosis

In Stephanie Dorris v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum), Plaintiff was President of Beans Plus, Inc. when about 20 years ago she became unable to perform the duties of her own occupation due to her suffering from endometriosis. She was covered under her employer's long term disability insurance benefit plan through Unum.Under the terms of the policy. LTD benefits would be pa... Read More >

Inexperienced Lawyer Handles Unum Disability Lawsuit and Fails to Provide Evidence to Support Occupational Argument

The case of Stephanie Dorris v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum) is an example of how an inexperienced lawyer may make the difference in a Plaintiff obtaining or losing long term disability (LTD) benefits. Plaintiff, a former corporation president, was covered under her employer's LTD insurance plan through Unum.Under the terms of the policy, LTD benefits wou... Read More >

Can UNUM Deny LTD Benefits When Plaintiff Proves Eligibility by a Preponderance of the Evidence?

In the case of Paul Luu v. First Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum), Plaintiff had been employed by MUFG Union Bank (Union) for approximately 25 years when, on February 12, 2015, he was given a negative performance review and put on notice that he could be terminated.Plaintiff stated that on that date, "it all came together... mentally and physically, he could not do it anymore. H... Read More >

Is Remand Required If Plaintiff Proves Disability by a Preponderance of the Evidence?

In Ralph Dewsnup v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum), Plaintiff was a trial attorney with the law firm of Dewsnup King & Olsen when he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery after suffering a heart attack on March 18, 2015. As far as his heart was concerned, the surgery was a success. But he was left with constant pain across his chest near the area of his incis... Read More >

Can Unum Deny My LTD Benefits After Paying For 15 Years?

In the case of Michael J. Christoff v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum), plaintiff was a partner in the firm of Spencer Stuart. He was a high-level executive, generating one to two million dollars a year in revenue, "developing a network of contacts, constant availability to clients, and extensive travel." In November 2001, Plaintiff became disabled due to severe fibromyalgia a... Read More >

Court Rules Proper Standard of Review is Abuse of Discretion

In Christoff v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, Plaintiff Christoff suffered from severe fibromyalgia. He was insured under a group employee benefit plan provided by his employer and the insurance company was Unum. He began receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits from Unum in November 2001. More than 15 years later, on November 22, 2016, Unum determined he was no longer disabled and terminated hi... Read More >

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Get Your Disability Application Approved

Our goal is to get your application for disability insurance benefits approved. Applying for disability insurance 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.

Through our experience of having helped thousands of disability insurance claimants, our disability insurance lawyers will guide you through the entire application process and give you the best chance to get your disability claim approved the first time.

Submit A Strong Appeal Package

If your disability insurance benefits have been wrongfully denied, then our disability insurance lawyers know exactly what it takes to get your disability claim approved. You only get once chance to submit an Appeal, therefore every piece of evidence that will support your disability claim must be included. The goal is to win your disability benefits at the Appeal level, but while preparing your Appeal you must consider how a federal judge will review your disability claim if your benefit denial is upheld.

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 long-term disability attorneys for a free immediate review of your disability denial.

Sue Your Disability Company

98% of the disability insurance lawsuits filed by our law firm have resulted in either the payment of benefits or a lump-sum settlement agreement. Our disability insurance attorneys have filed ERISA governed and private policy long term disability insurance lawsuits against every major disability insurance company in state and federal courts nationwide and we love fighting for the little guy against the multi-billion dollar insurance company giants.

We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and we would like the opportunity to provide you with a free review of your disability benefit denial. There are many complex factors in a disability benefit lawsuit and the legal battle to win long term disability benefits can be fierce.

Prevent A Disability Benefit Denial

Approval of long-term disability is a continuous process as every disability insurance company will evaluate your eligibility for benefits on a monthly basis. You can never let your guard down and assume that your disability company will continue to pay your benefits for as long as you think you need them.

Our disability insurance law firm offers a reasonable flat fee monthly claim handling service in which we handle every aspect of your long-term disability claim and do whatever it takes to make sure you are paid every month.

Negotiate a Lump-Sum Settlement

Let's discuss if a lump-sum settlement or buyout of your disability insurance claim is both available and makes financial sense for you. Our disability insurance lawyers have negotiated more than five-hundred million dollars in disability insurance buyouts and we know how to get you a maximum settlement. A disability insurance company is not required to offer a buyout and not every disability company offers them.

Questions About Hiring Us

Who are Dell Disability Lawyers?

We are disability insurance attorneys 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.

Our attorneys have been able to either get our clients paid monthly disability benefits or obtain a one-time lump-sum settlement in more than 98% of our cases. Our disability insurance 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.

We offer disability insurance attorney representation nationwide and we welcome you to contact any of our LTD lawyers for a free immediate review of your disability claim. We also invite you to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have more than 900 videos and regularly provide tips to help protect your disability benefits.

Who do you help?

Our disability insurance attorneys 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.

Do you work in my state?

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 insurance 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.

What are your fees?

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.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

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, or video conferencing sessions. 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.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability insurance 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.

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