New rules affect disability benefit claim denials in retirement plans

Description

Abstract: Retirement plans (or other ERISA-regulated benefits, including nonqualified “top hat” plans) containing a disability benefit are affected by the new DOL rules that took effect in April 2018. The new regulations, in the works since 2015, pertain to disability claims and the processes governing appeals of a denial of disability benefits. This article reminds sponsors of 401(k) plans and defined benefit pension plans with disability benefits that they have until the end of this year to amend their plans to reflect the new rules.