I was placed on long-term disability from my employment in April 2016. I recently applied for Social Security benefits. I was told if I received a lump sum payment from Social Security, I would need to repay the amount of money I received from long term i

I have had seven spinal surgeries. I have been declared by long-term insurance as being totally disabled. I was told by the long-term insurance company I needed to apply for Social Security benefits. I applied the first time for Social Security I was denied. Long term disability company told me to apply again with representation. I did. I have not received ruling yet. I was also informed that if I received a lump sum payment I would need to repay the amount of money I received from Long Term Disability..The amount I am currently receiving on long term disability is only about 40% of my working wage. This was a benefit from the company I worked for. My understanding was ,that long term disability is to help you live, while you are disabled. If I need to repay this amount of money, it would be like me taking out a loan from the bank and making monthly payments. Had I known this I could have applied for food stamps and other government benefits in the meantime. I have worked my entire life. I am 60 years old. And like I had said before ,I have been declared totally disabled by long term disability. I have also paid taxes for the last 2 years on the amount I received. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I also have to repay a lawyer's fee. So how in the end has long term disability actually helped me. It's like taking a loan without being employed and disabled and one that would be almost impossible to repay.