Question

Is it a good idea to get a lump sum from Unum?

Asked on September 5th 2016 by Chris
I am disabled due to a Motor Vehicle Accident. I get disability from the Social security. Also I get a UNUM long term disability check each month. UNUM has asked me have I got my pension check yet. The company I use to work for just offered me it. To either take a lump sum, payment each month, or put it in a IRA. Just wondering what to do so they will not take it all from me. Can they take it all from me? I would like to get the lump sum, but don’t know if that’s a good idea.

Answer

Answered on September 7th 2016 by Attorney Stephen Jessup

Chris, depending on the policy language if you exercise a lump sum on the pension it would likely be deemed an offset under your policy and they would reduce your benefit by that as well.