If you’re applying for long-term disability insurance, you may be required to apply for Social Security disability benefits along with your LTD claim. You may even be offered the services of companies like Allsup and Advantage 2000 to assist with your claim. However, as a knowledgeable long-term disability/ERISA and Social Security disability attorney, I strongly advise against using these companies.
Most of these companies have non-attorney representatives handling Social Security disability claims. You do not need to be an attorney to handle Social Security claims, but we do recommend an attorney.
We’ve received many complaints about the quality of representation from companies recommended by insurance companies. I’ve taken over representation in some of these types of claims. I’ve seen situations where these companies failed to develop evidence properly.
If you do receive Social Security disability benefits, there is a chance that the long-term disability insurance company will immediately suspend your long-term disability benefits and demand repayment. And companies like Allsup and Advantage 2000 may have you sign an agreement allowing them to automatically withdraw any overpayment from your checking account.
Long-term disability carriers use these companies to help you obtain Social Security disability benefits so they can take back all of the long-term disability benefits you’ve received and then suspend your long-term disability benefits. These companies will also share any medical reports they obtain or develop in your Social Security disability claim with your long-term disability carrier, and any bad information from your Social Security disability claim could be used as a basis for denial of your long-term disability claim.
If you’ve authorized one of these companies to withdraw money directly from your account, I’d review the long term disability policy to see of such an authorization is required by the LTD policy. If not, you may at least consider revoking that authorization immediately by writing to your bank and sending a copy of the revocation to the insurance company by certified mail.
Instead of relying on these companies, you should consider hiring an attorney who handles both Social Security disability and long-term disability/ERISA litigation. At the Ortiz Law Firm, we have experience in both areas and can coordinate the handling of both claims, ensuring that the necessary evidence is developed for both. If you already have a long-term disability attorney, make sure your Social Security disability attorney is coordinating with them.
Don’t let your long-term disability insurance company or these companies take advantage of you. Protect yourself by hiring an experienced disability attorney like Nick Ortiz. We can help you make informed decisions about your SSD claim and maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve, while also protecting your rights as a disability insurance policyholder. Call our office at (888) 321-8131 to request your free case evaluation today.
