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Business Profile

Retirement Planning Services

Lincoln National Corporation

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Retirement Planning Services.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Lincoln National Corporation's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Lincoln National Corporation has 33 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 186 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 83 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/04/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I was notified in writing on April 2, 2024 that my monthly premium for life insurance was changing from $16.79 to $56.99. I authorized this to occur beginning June 1, 2024. Today I noticed my premium had jumped to $97.18. I immediately called customer service and was informed that my monthly premium will increase each year that I have the policy. This was never once expressed to me when I spoke to a representative back in 2024 nor did I receive any kind of written notification letting me know it would increase on June 1, 2025. Had I known back in 2024 that the increase would be YEARLY I would have canceled my policy. I feel this is clear deception on the company's part. Today I asked to have my policy canceled and the $97.18 returned to my account. I have wasted enough money with Lincoln Financial. I was told they would not be able to refund the money.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/05/2025

      Please see the attached.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/10/2025

      I'm not sure what personal information Lincoln Life can't share. The complaint is about their shady policy of  increasing the cost of an insurance policy without notification first. So, no, I do not accept this outcome. I should not have tonwait 14 days to hear from them when BBB is asking me to respond within 10 days.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/23/2025

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Im filing this complaint due to ongoing, unacceptable experiences with this companys customer service department. Each time I call, I encounter a significant language barrier that makes it extremely difficult to communicate my issue. I am forced to repeat myself multiple times, only to be misunderstood which is both frustrating and exhausting.When Ive respectfully asked to speak with someone based in the **** or someone more fluent in English, Ive been told to hang up and keep calling back until I reach someone in my country. This is completely unacceptable and no way to treat a customer seeking help.I should not have to play a game of chance just to get a representative who can understand me. Its a basic expectation to receive effective and accessible support, especially when Im contacting the company in good faith to resolve an issue.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/05/2025

      I am writing in response to your email dated June 2nd, 2025, to The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Lincoln Financial) regarding the above-referenced Case Number. Due to privacy laws, Lincoln Financial cannot provide you with any policy information regarding the complaint that ******* ****** filed. Accordingly, Lincoln Financial has responded directly to ******* in an effort to address her concerns. 

      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/09/2025

      Dear Better Business Bureau,


      I am writing to acknowledge that I received a call from Lincoln Financial in response to my initial complaint. While I am grateful for the follow-up, I must express my disappointment that this was the only available route to connect with someone in the ************* to get answers to my concerns.


      It is unfortunate that, in today's digital age, direct communication with customer service representatives in the **** is so challenging and requires escalated action through platforms like the BBB. I believe Lincoln Financial could benefit from improving its customer service accessibility to ensure that all customers can easily reach the necessary support without having to go through such channels.


      Thank you for facilitating the communication, and I hope this feedback will be taken into consideration as Lincoln Financial works to improve its service.

      ******* ******


    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/20/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      My mother held a retirement annuity with Lincoln. At her time of death, she had been retired about 29 years. Myself and my brother notified Lincoln of her Dec 13, ************************************************************************* February 2025. Myself and my *** have followed up with them and they said they needed her employer signature and had sent a request. 4/10/25 *** said they would move on to a signature from an in-house account manager signature. I asked to speak to a supervisor and explained how long we had waited. The customer service supervisor said it would only take a day or two for the account manager to sign and then the disbursal would be processed. I asked her to hand walk ******** with the account manager to make sure it got done. She said she would follow up. 19 days later, 4/29/25, we had not received the funds. I called again and said I would file a complaint. The customer service agent said no supervisors were available, but she would follow up. 5/20/25 and we still don't have the money.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/27/2025

      Dear BBB,

      I am writing in response to your letter dated May 21, 2025 directed to ****** ******** at Lincoln National Corporation (Lincoln Financial) regarding Complaint ID Number ********.  Due to privacy laws, Lincoln Financial cannot provide you with any account information regarding the complaint that **** ******* Lincoln filed. Accordingly, Lincoln Financial will respond directly to **** ******* regarding this matter.

      Thank you for bringing this matter to the company's attention. If you have any questions or should you need any additional information regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me.



      D. ******* *********
      Analyst, *********************************** ***************** Office 
      ************** Fax 
      Lincoln Financial
      ********************************************************

      **********************************************



      Registered representative of Lincoln Financial ****************** (LFD), a wholesale broker-dealer and ***** member firm. I do not provide securities recommendations or investment advisory services. Insurance products offered through *** affiliates. Lincoln Financial is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. This email and its attachments may collect your personal information to improve Lincolns products or to provide you with services related to its products. For more information, please see our privacy policy.
      Notice of Confidentiality: **This email and its attachments may contain information that is privileged, confidential, proprietary, or subject to copyright belonging to the Lincoln National Corporation or its companies. This email is intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any distribution, copying, or action taken in relation to the contents of and attachments to this email is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Additionally, please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete any copies of this email and destroy any printouts.**

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/18/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      April 23, 2025 I contacted Lincoln Financial Group regarding a loan payment history and balance statement, which details interest paid. April 28, 2025 I received a response to my policy service request. The loan payment history *** provided, payoff balance is incorrect. April 29, 2025 I disputed the payoff balance. LFG states my February 28, 2025 loan payment was $1,776.86. I provided my bank payment history, which verify $2,000.69 was paid on the loan February 28, 2025. May 09, 2025 I resubmitted, my dispute regarding the payoff balance. I have not received a response.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/05/2025

      Please see attached. Thank you. 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/06/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On 5/5/2025 *** was contacted via phone call on a recorded line that was recorded by myself; to inform the business that Id no longer wish to continue business with the company. I participate in ************** 403B which has been financed by my earnings without contribution from my current employer. While speaking to the representative at *** on the recorded line that I recorded on 5/5/25, I proceeded to ask the representative at *** if there were any age requirements or restrictions on my current ********** 403B contract to request ********** withdrawals. The representative informed me that no restrictions were on my current ********** 403B contract. This was also confirmed by my current employer on 5/6/2025, which was also confirmed that my current employer has not been contributing to the ********** 403B. On 5/6/25 after receiving the Requesting a distribution form via email by LFG representative, on 5/5/25- I emailed the completed documents- confirming that I wish to terminate business with LFG by withdrawing my funds-Prior to Age 59 which was an option located on page 1 (one) of the Requesting a distribution form. Additionally after submitting the documents, I received a follow up email from *** that I wasnt eligible for the distribution. As stated via the phone calls I have recorded with *** representatives regarding my request to terminate business with the company- my current contract with the ********** 403B having no age restrictions or requirements that would prevent me from ceasing business with the company I am requesting to withdraw my funds expeditiously.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/14/2025

      Dear BBB,

      I am writing in response to your email dated May 07, 2025, to Lincoln National Corporation (Lincoln Financial) regarding the above-referenced Complaint ID Number.  Due to privacy laws, Lincoln Financial cannot provide you with any policy information regarding the complaint that **** ***** filed. Accordingly, Lincoln Financial will respond directly to **** ***** regarding this matter.

      Thank you for bringing this matter to the company's attention.  If you have any questions or should you need any additional information regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me.

      D. ******* *********
      Analyst, *********************************** ***************** Office 
      ************** Fax 
      Lincoln Financial
      ********************************************************

      **********************************************



      Registered representative of Lincoln Financial ****************** (LFD), a wholesale broker-dealer and ***** member firm. I do not provide securities recommendations or investment advisory services. Insurance products offered through *** affiliates. Lincoln Financial is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. This email and its attachments may collect your personal information to improve Lincolns products or to provide you with services related to its products. For more information, please see our privacy policy.


      Notice of Confidentiality: **This email and its attachments may contain information that is privileged, confidential, proprietary, or subject to copyright belonging to the Lincoln National Corporation or its companies. This email is intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any distribution, copying, or action taken in relation to the contents of and attachments to this email is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Additionally, please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete any copies of this email and destroy any printouts.**

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/05/2025

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      submitted 4/17/2025 and no return calls are being made back to me

      Business Response

      Date: 05/06/2025

       Please note privacy laws limit what information we may disclose in our online responses. A manager contacted the consumer on May 5, 2025, and advised her of the status of her claim. 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/25/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      In attempting to cash out my 401k the company continually requested information and received said information 3 times. I confirmed receipt of information each time. They continually refused to process my cash out and has stretched out my distribution for over a month. I have not received any distribution thus far

      Business Response

      Date: 05/14/2025

      Dear BBB,

      I am writing in response to your email dated April 29, 2025, to Lincoln National Corporation (Lincoln Financial) regarding the above-referenced Complaint ID Number.  Due to privacy laws, Lincoln Financial cannot provide you with any policy information regarding the complaint that ******* ****** filed.  Accordingly, Lincoln Financial will respond directly to ******* ******* regarding this matter.

      Thank you for bringing this matter to the company's attention.  If you have any questions or should you need any additional information regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me.

      Respectfully,

      D. ******* *********
      Analyst, *********************************** ***************** Office 
      ************** Fax 
      Lincoln Financial
      ************************************************************************************************

      **********************************************



      Registered representative of Lincoln Financial ****************** (LFD), a wholesale broker-dealer and ***** member firm. I do not provide securities recommendations or investment advisory services. Insurance products offered through *** affiliates. Lincoln Financial is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. This email and its attachments may collect your personal information to improve Lincolns products or to provide you with services related to its products. For more information, please see our privacy policy.


      Notice of Confidentiality: **This email and its attachments may contain information that is privileged, confidential, proprietary, or subject to copyright belonging to the Lincoln National Corporation or its companies. This email is intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any distribution, copying, or action taken in relation to the contents of and attachments to this email is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Additionally, please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete any copies of this email and destroy any printouts.**

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/24/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I have been trying to get a withdrawal for 2 weeks. Everytime I call because I still havent received it they tell me it was already sent out and there is nothing they can do. But every person Ive spoke to tells me it was sent out on different days. I cant buy my insulin until I get this and Im afraid Im going to go into a diabetic coma. This isnt the first time this company has done this to me. It happens EVERY time I request a withdrawal. I would never do business with this company again and I strongly recommend that nobody does business with them. Hands down worst company Ive ever seen and HORRIBLE customer service.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/07/2025

      Attached please find our response.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/22/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I separated from my employer in January 2025 and filed paperwork to get a 457(b) disbursement from my retirement fund. Lincoln Financial requires 90 days to process the disbursement and funds to be deposited into a selected account. It has now been 95 days and Lincoln Financial still has not processed by disbursement. I've called customer service 5 times, and no one can tell me why my disbursement has not been processed. Also, I've asked for someone from management to contact me and no one has contacted me. I called someone named **** today at ************ and she has not returned my call. Since filling my paperwork in January, this account has lost approximately $7000. Since the 90th day when this disbursement should have been processed, I've lost approximately $3000. I'm appalled at the lack of concern for customer services and the fact that customer service can see my paperwork, but no one can tell me why the request hasn't been processed yet. I'm not employed and need this money to survive.

      Business Response

      Date: 04/29/2025

      Attached please find Lincoln's response to this complaint matter.  Thank you. 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/21/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I requested a loan pay off, I mailed a cashiers check for $5,974.63.(which is the payoff amount I was given) after a few weeks I never saw check applied to loan, so I called and was told the check was being returned because the pay off amount I was given was incorrect. I told them to apply the check to the account as a payment instead of returning it. That was 3 weeks ago, still not applied, I called several times, spending hours on the phone and still have no answers. This has been a nightmare!!! The worst part about it (besides the missing $5974.63) is haveing to go though all the prompts to get to a human then having to explain the situation over and over again to people who don't seem to be able to fix the problem. I just keep getting told they added notes or they emailed someone else and check back in a few days. and when I check back the payment its still not showing. It's been over a month and I still don't know where my payment is. It's also stressful because, the loan needs to be paid off or I will be taxed!!

      Business Response

      Date: 04/29/2025

      Dear BBB,

      I am writing in response to your email dated April 23, 2025, to LifeCompliance at Lincoln Financial regarding Case Number 23232496.  Due to privacy laws, Lincoln Financial cannot provide you with any account information regarding the complaint that Mr. **** ****** filed. Accordingly, Lincoln Financial will respond directly to Mr. **** ****** regarding this matter.

      Thank you for bringing this matter to the company's attention. If you have any questions or should you need any additional information regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me.

      Respectfully,


      D. ******* *********
      Analyst, *********************************** ***************** Office 
      ************** Fax 
      Lincoln Financial
      ********************************************************

      **********************************************



      Registered representative of Lincoln Financial *****************. (LFD), a wholesale broker-dealer and ***** member firm. I do not provide securities recommendations or investment advisory services. Insurance products offered through *** affiliates. Lincoln Financial is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. This email and its attachments may collect your personal information to improve Lincolns products or to provide you with services related to its products. For more information, please see our privacy policy.
      Notice of Confidentiality: **This email and its attachments may contain information that is privileged, confidential, proprietary, or subject to copyright belonging to the Lincoln National Corporation or its companies. This email is intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any distribution, copying, or action taken in relation to the contents of and attachments to this email is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Additionally, please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete any copies of this email and destroy any printouts.**

    Lincoln National Corporation is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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