I have been walking around in shock about the phone call I received the other day. I have a new disability claim reviewer. She told me that it was overlooked that I should have been getting 60% of my pay. I had been paid at the rate of 40%. Originally, they said that I became ill within a year of my coverage. Actually, my employer paid for this coverage for over 2 yrs., I upgraded and decided to pay into it, so if I became disabled that I would be able to collect 60%. I have been collecting LTD for four years now. I am shocked at the amount of the "underpayment" admission from Unum. $20,000. And, the amount of my monthly payment will be increased to $900. I was getting $400 plus my SS. I believe they have made a mistake. I am afraid they will come after me down the road and tell me that it was an error. However, meanwhile, I would love to get out of debt. They have included the amounts that I have been paid along with my SS payments listed. I thought the new amount may be accurate, but my SS will offset it. But, then that would not make sense, as my total was over $1,000 at 40%. I did apply for SS, the day after I resigned from my job due to disability. I was approved immediately. I reported it to Unum, and they adjusted my payments (reduced). I am very confused by this. I am a dummy when it comes to numbers. I am so scared they will come after me down the road and demand their money back. My husband tells me not to worry about it. I did ask the girl, if she was absolutely sure when she called me with info about Ununm's underpayment to me. I just have this feeling they will say it was an error. And, they will shut me off, and sue me for the error, down the road.

A:

First, UNUM probably owes you interest on the benefits they shorted you for years.

Second, it would be well-worth your time to have this matter reviewed by an experienced disability insurance attorney. For a couple hundred dollars that attorney could probably run the numbers for you.

It's likely that UNUM is right on the overpayment--believe me when I tell you they wouldn't have let that letter out the door without three supervisors looking at it! It is doubtful that they will come back in the future and try to get this money back

But check out the interest...they've had YOUR money for years!