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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:04/19/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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, ***** ********** passed away on February 12, 2025, and we are beneficiaries of her Lincoln Financial annuity. Despite filing claims, Lincoln Financial has failed to provide the necessary beneficiary paperwork. Their outsourced customer service has been consistently unhelpful, providing misleading information and fabricating new issues with each call. Shockingly, we have even been told the account doesn't exist, contradicting the regular statements we receive. This unprofessional and unethical obstruction of the claims process must stop. We require the immediate provision of the correct claim forms to proceed with the annuity disbursement.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/07/2025

      Dear Ms. ********************* see the attached.

      Thank you.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/14/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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 ***** ***** passed away on 5/3/24 in personal care nursing home, and I am executrix trying to do her taxes. She withdrew $140K, which went into her ******** account on 2/12/24, and Lincoln has not provided a correct 1099-R form yet, and was required to be sent out by 1/30/25. The Withdrawal request form is attached.They did send out an incorrect form, received on 2/15/24 with the gross distribution and employee contribution both as $75,763.60. On 2/21/25 2:26 PM called call Lincoln ************ opt 1 x8529 ********* 1099-R and left message.On 2/24/25 11:47 AM call Lincoln ************ opt 1 x8529 ********* 1099-R. Then ******* in Claims: ************ x0323. ********* says wrong amount entered. Will send out in another week. Did not come.On 3/5/25 called Lincoln again ************ opt 1 x8529, 1:16 PM ***** answers 1099-R should be out. 1:19 PM ************ transfers to ****** says takes ***** days. Will email to *****. Email NEVER CAME. On 3/11/25 1:40 PM another 1099-R with exact same values in mail. 4/3/25 11:30 AM still no form. Called Lincoln again. Said still working on it. 4/7/25 3:00 PM 3:00 PM We call Lincoln, and speak to *******, then ****, and finally to *****, who finally finds the $140K withdrawal. He says he will email the new corrected 1099-R tonight. Email never came. 4/9/25 9:30 AM Lincoln 1099-R form never arrived, I mail both 2024 tax extension form 4868 for federal and State with estimated payment. 1099-R form attached.I would like a correct 1099-R form to do her taxes. Thank you.

      Business Response

      Date: 04/22/2025

      ***** *******
      Compliance Analyst
      Legal Department

      ************ Office 

      ************ Fax 
      Lincoln Financial
      **********************************************************************************************

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


      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/02/2025

      Lincoln has sent 2 emails confirming the errors of their 1099-R. However, the consequences of that might be very severe.  For *****, her taxable amount, employee contribution, and her state distribution.

      Her mother, Helens situation is a lot worse. Her gross over doubled, taxable went from $0, to $164,705.88,AND the same with the PA State.  Please look at the attached files.

      This has become very complicated, and I have no idea of the damage. Because of its complexity, it is now turned over to a CPA accountant.
      Email I sent to accountant looks like this:

      Hello again ****,

      Are you available for help for 2024 federal and state taxes for ***** ********* AND her mother, ***** *****.

      Since we last spoke, based on the 1099-R from Lincoln Financial, ***** has paid filed her Federal taxes and paid $34,664.00 and PA. State taxes, and for her mothers account, we filed form 4868 Federal extension, and Pa form ****276 EX with payment of $1972.

      Below are the changes. Items in RED (**) are what is different. The 1099-Rs for *****:

      1099-Rs for *****: ORIGINAL  New/Modified
      Box 1 Gross  $396,182.76 $396,182.76
      ** Box 2a Taxable $214,946.36 $139,182.76
      Box 4 Withheld $21,494.64 $21,494.64
      ** Box 5 Emp Cont $181,236.40 $257,000.00
      Box 14 St Withheld  $9,672.59 $9,672.59
      ** Box  16 St dist $214,946.*************

      And the 1099-Rs for her mother:
      ORIGINAL  New/Modified
      ** Box 1 Gross $75,783.60 $164,705.88
      ** Box 2a Taxable $0.00 $164,705.88
      Box 4 Withheld $24,705.88 $24,705.88
      ** Box 5 Emp Cont ******** $0.00
      Box 14 St Withheld  $0.00 $0.00
      ** Box  16 St dist $0.00 $164,705.88


      In Lincolns 2nd email, they stated: " Lincoln is willing to reimburse any reasonable expenses related to the error.  Please have any additional cost associated with this error itemized and full documentation of the cost provided, such as receipts for refiling costs. You may forward this documentation to my attention for review."

      Thank you.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/11/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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 late husband ****** H ****** died on Nov 2 2024. He held a Lincoln annuity valued at approximately $140,000. I have been trying since Nov 27 2024 to have this changed to an annuity with monthly payments to me SINCE NOV *******. I have called many times and am transferred, told they didnt receive forms, couldnt read forms, forms didnt move from Claims to Annuities, etc., but only once did they contact me. I immediately supplied the info they needed. I have asked to speak with supervisors, told they would call me back- no calls. The account seems to be in my name now but NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS AS I-REQUESTED!I have tried to reach ****** ******, my representative at ************. He does not answer and does not return my calls. My contract number is ********** Please help me!!****** ****** ************

      Business Response

      Date: 05/07/2025

      Attached please find our response.
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/09/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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.
      POOR SERVICE Did NOT send distribution as promised *************************************************************************** my account within 5-7 days. Requested on March 27, 2025 today is April 9, 2025. STILL WAITING!!

      Business Response

      Date: 04/23/2025


      ***** *******
      Compliance Analyst
      Legal Department

      Lincoln Financial
      ***************************************************

      Lincoln Financial
      **********************************************
      ************ Office
      ************ Fax
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/04/2025

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      ResolvedMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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.
      This is in regard to a short term disability claim, my representative never returned my calls or spoke to me. My claim was approved and said to go online to update how i would like to receive the funds. There is not option to update payment, they are mailing a check that i need now. I tried calling 4 seperate numbers and navigating the site. There is no way to update or get help. I need to set up direct deposit ^ have the funds sent there today as they should have been. I need this corrected asap as there is another check still due from them.

      Business Response

      Date: 04/08/2025

      We are writing in response to your request dated and received 4/7/2025.  We would like to thank you for bringing this matter to our attention on behalf of Ms. ************ However, privacy laws prohibit the amount of information we are able to provide you regarding this matter.  The claim does reflect that Ms. ***** was able to speak with her claims examiner on 4/7/2025 and provided the information she needed.  It appears this matter is resolved.

      Sincerely,
      ****** *.
      Claim Resolution Consultant
      Claim Resolution Services
      Lincoln Financial Group

      Customer Answer

      Date: 04/09/2025

      [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

      Regards,

      ****** *****

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/02/2025

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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 disability insurance though Lincoln Financial. I have been out of work since 1/6/25. It's always something. I have handed in multiple documents. I can never get my claims examiner or a supervisor. It's ridiculous. This company is why people lose hope.

      Business Response

      Date: 04/03/2025

      We are writing in response to your request received 4/3/2025. We would like to thank you for sending this complaint to us on behalf of our insured, Kameno Kinnard. However, privacy laws limit the amount of information that we are able to provide you regarding this matter.Accordingly, we have responding directly to Kameno Kinnard regarding her concerns on 4/2/2025 which is the date this complaint was filed.  ************** has further concerns, we encourage her to contact us directly.

      Sincerely,

      ****** *.
      Claims Resolution Consultant
      Claims Resolution Services
      Lincoln Financial Group

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/02/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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 father, ****** J ***** passed away on 02/04/25. I am writing on my mothers behalf who is the beneficiary of my fathers estate - ******* *****. I have a lot of emails and phone calls that have been made to the agent, 800 number, and my fathers employer about getting my fathers annuity paid to my mother. The problem seems to be with all of Lincoln Financial starting with the agent who held my fathers paperwork for three weeks because an employee left the company and they did no follow through. If I had not continued to call, the paperwork would still be sitting there. On March 20th, the paperwork was finally submitted to the corporate office and it has been downhill since. I know it hasnt been long, but every time I call, I am getting a different answer. Finally on Friday, March 28th I was told only part of the paperwork was sent to processing and they would send the rest. Then today, April 2nd, I was told the same answer. When asked why, they said they need an Account Manager to verify the beneficiary information- paperwork that my mother already submitted back on February 28th. I ask them to clarify further and was told nothing will be done until the account manager does something- I am still not sure what. Because the account manager has not responded, there is nothing more they will do. So the claim will sit there. I find this totally unacceptable. My mother did everything asked of her and because of Lincolns irresponsibility, she is the one suffering. Can you please help her get this claim processed? Lincoln has also told me from the beginning that it could take months to process the claim which I dont understand why. This money belongs to my mother and they seem to be holding it hostage. I have not had this problem with any other account in my dads name

      Business Response

      Date: 04/23/2025

      Attached is Lincoln's response to this matter.
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/01/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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 withdrawal Monday the 24th for the full amount I needed. I made it very clear that this was the amount I needed to not be dropped from class . They did not inform me About the taxes and I did not get the full amount I needed. I called back the next day because I didnt receive the 24 hour docusign. This time I made the remaining request on Thursday the 28th and did not receive the docu sign email within 24 hours, I waited Monday still nothing. I called them today and was on the phone for 35 minutes with their supervisor and all they kept saying that it was processed today. Not that they continued to negligence of giving correct information or signing the email. I have now been dropped from class and am unable to attend. If they showed any interest in making the situation better or explain why they dont send out the docusign again someone calls would have been appropriate

      Business Response

      Date: 04/30/2025

      Dear Ms. ********************* see the attached.

      Thank you.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/31/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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.
      Mu company uses Lincoln Financial for a retirement fund. I began contributing to this fund in July of 2024. In December I needed to borrow from my account. I found out that someone had mistyped my name which had to be corrected. I sent in the paperwork to have the correction made. I called and I was told that the correction was complicated ( all that needed to be done was change a u to a v in my last name). I was assured that this would be expedited. It has now been 5 months and this has not been completed. I have asked that they stop taking money for this account but because of the very complicated correction they are unable to honor this request. I am tired of dealing with this. I want the money I have contributed and I want them to stop taking money from me. I have never dealt with a more incomplete company before.

      Business Response

      Date: 04/07/2025

      See attached response 
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/27/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      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 trying to create an online account with ********************** finacial but was not able to. Contacted lincoln finacial and was advised they had the wrong social. I contacted my employer at the time advising them of the matter. On February 19 2025 I sent my employer a copy of my social security number. On February 20th they advised me that they forwarded the information to lincoln financial to have it corrected. Since February 20th I have been calling lincoln finacial regarding the matter. I have not been giving estimated time for correction. I have asked to speak with the compliance department and was told that they do not have such department. I have been told they honor my request until correction has been made. I am a customer of ******************************************* and with the error of having my incorrect social security number I felt this is an urgent matter of correction. It has been over a month. ***** has been breach. I am a customer with ******* finacial with an incorrect social security number in which it could belong to someone else. I have lost faith and feel my privacy rights have been violated I would like for this matter to be resolved immediately!

      Business Response

      Date: 04/09/2025

      Dear Ms. ********************* see the attached.

      Thank you.

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