Unum Disability Help

Question

Should I accept Unum's lump sum pay off on a lifetime policy? How do I determine if the offer is fair?

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

Asked on February 15th 2012 by Young Doc

I am a Resident Physician who was injured in an auto accident in 2005. UNUM has been paying me a monthly benefit since then, and is supposed to do that for life. They have asked for medical records, first twice a year, then once a year. They also had a private investigator tail me and he asked to visit my home. I refused! They just received medical records from me in October and then called yesterday asking if anything had changed? After telling them how frustrated I was that they continue trying to see if a paralyzed hand will reverse itself, they asked whether I had considered a settlement offer. I said that I did not mind but was concerned about the fact that they stuck me with the taxes when they paid my medical student loans. What can I do about the taxes I was stuck with after they sent a check of $150k to my student loan company? Should I accept a lump sum pay off on a life time policy? How do I determine whether I have been offered a fair amount?

Answer

Answered on February 16th 2012 by Attorney Gregory Dell

Young Doc, Unum will continue to monitor you for the rest of your life, especially if you have a lifetime disability benefit policy. There are numerous factors that must be considered when determining whether to accept a lump-sum buyout. Please take a look at our video on lump sum buyouts. If you call us, we will provide you with a free consultation to discuss if a buyout might be right for you. We have negotiated hundreds of Unum Lump Sum buyouts. As attorneys we cannot answer questions about taxes. We highly recommend that you speak with an accountant about any tax questions. You may find one of our frequently asked questions about the tax implications of disability benefits helpful. I can tell you that if your monthly benefit has been taxable, then your lump sum buyout would be taxable.

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Disability Benefit Denial Options

Unum Disability Denial

Let’s discuss your case your Unum disability denial.

Unum Disability Denial

Submit a Strong Unum Appeal Package

We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Unum appeal.

Unum Disability Appeal

Sue Unum

We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Unum.

Unum Disability Lawsuit

Protect Your Benefits

Get Your Unum Disability Application Approved

We help claimants throughout the entire application process.

Apply for Unum Disability Benefits

Prevent a Unum Disability Benefit Denial

We manage every aspect of your disability claim following claim approval.

Monthly Handling of Your Unum Claim

Negotiate a Unum Lump-Sum Settlement

Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.

Unum Long Term Disability Buyout

Unum Reviews

(64)

Policy Holder Rating

Write a Review

1.5 out of 5

Read 64 reviews

Write a Review

51%

46%

Timely Payments

1.8out of 5

Handling Claim

2.0out of 5

Customer Service

2.0out of 5

Dependable

2.0out of 5

Value

1.8out of 5

Showing 4 of 64 Reviews

Unum

Unum does not act as a fiduciary

Reviewed by Unum is horrible on July 15th 2025 Verified Policyholder | October 2025 date of disability

I received paycheck from 2 sources at work. I was approved for LTD by Metlife within 40 days, no questions asked. I was approved by NWM which was my private own occupation...

Unum

UNUM denied my LTD claim after 6 months although my health continues to decline

Reviewed by Michael B on July 12th 2025 Verified Policyholder | July 2023 date of disability

An attorney is needed to monitor an open, ongoing claim. I naively thought payments would continue. Review of medical records by a disability attorney before submission to...

Unum

Unum is evil

Reviewed by Shandra on January 30th 2025 Verified Policyholder | November 2021 date of disability

On 11/3/2021 I got shot by my boyfriend and my spinalcord got hit, paralyzing me from the neck down and accepting Unum benefits was the worst decision I ever made. I sued ...

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...

Write a Review See All Reviews

Answered Questions by Our Lawyers

(111)

Showing 4 of 111 Answered Questions

Q: If I'm getting paid from Unum insurance already and in the near future I want to try and get some sort of settlement, can I go about that and does your firm do that sort of thing?

Answered on November 24th 2025 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Hello. We negotiate Unum long term disability benefits regularly. In order to be eligible you must be on claim...

Q: If I get married, will my Unum disability be affected?

Answered on October 30th 2025 by Attorney Gregory Dell

A: Your marriage should have no impact on your disability income benefits.

Q: Pregnancy health issues

Answered on September 23rd 2025 by Attorney Jay Symonds

A: Nea, did you file a Short-Term or Long-Term claim with Unum? When did you file it? From your question it seems...

Q: I have LTD through UNUM, can I move out of state?

Answered on August 26th 2025 by Attorney Alex Palamara

A: Linda, yes, you certainly are able to move to a different state even if you are receiving disability benefits....

Ask Our Lawyers a Question See All Answered Questions

Helpful Videos

(925)

Showing 12 of 925 Videos

See All Videos

Disability Benefit Tips

(331)

Showing 4 of 331 Benefit Tips

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...

How Long Does UNUM Long Term Disability Last?

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...

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...

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...

See All Benefit Tips

Our Resolved Cases

(388)

Showing 4 of 388 Our Resolved Cases

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...

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...

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...

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...

See All Our Resolved Cases

Disability Lawsuit Stories

(766)

Showing 4 of 766 Lawsuit Stories

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...

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...

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...

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...

See All Lawsuit Stories

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!

View All Reviews (503)

Question

Should I accept Unum's lump sum pay off on a lifetime policy? How do I determine if the offer is fair?

Answer

Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits

Unum Disability Denial

Submit a Strong Unum Appeal Package

Sue Unum

Get Your Unum Disability Application Approved

Prevent a Unum Disability Benefit Denial

Negotiate a Unum Lump-Sum Settlement

Policy Holder Rating

Reviews from Our Clients

Request a Free Consultation

5 Ways We Help Get Your Benefits Paid

Questions About Hiring Us