APPEALS PROCEDURE

Notice of Claim Denial

If your benefit application is denied in whole or in part, the Administrative Office will send you a written notice of denial, which will contain the following information:

-The specific reason for the denial.
-Specific references to the plan provisions on which the denial is based.
-A description of any additional material or information which would be needed to have your benefit application approved and an explanation of why such material or information is needed.
-Information as to the steps to be taken if the claimant wishes to submit his claim for review,
-A description of the review procedure and time limits applicable including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following exhaustion of the Plan’s appeal procedures.

A notice of denial will be sent to you within 90 days after your benefit application is filed. If, because of special circumstances, more time is needed to approve or deny your application or calculate the amount of your benefit, the Administrative Office will send you a notice, which will describe the special circumstances and tell you how much more time is needed. This extension will not exceed 90 days.

Appeals

If you believe that you have wrongfully been denied a benefit to which you are entitled, you may appeal the benefit denial. If you wish to appeal, you must submit a written application for your appeal to the Administrative Office within 60 days after you have received the notice that your benefit application was denied.

You or your authorized representative may then review the documents related to your case and submit any written comments and additional information, which will support your claim.

The Trustees, or a Committee set up for this purpose, will then review your benefit application and its denial and will notify you in writing of the decision regarding your benefits. You have the right to appear personally before a Committee of the Trustees to review your case. The decision of the Trustees shall be made promptly and not more than 60 days after the petition for review was received. If extra time is required you will be notified in writing within 60 days. The decision will be final and binding upon all parties. The claimant will be notified of the decision as soon as possible but not later than 5 days after the decision is made. The decision will include specific reasons for the decision and specific references to the Plan provisions on which the decision is based.

Entitlement to Disability Benefits

Special Claims and appeals procedures apply to disability benefits which are not based on a Social Security Award. If you are denied a Partial Disability benefit, the claims and appeals procedure is as follows:

1. The Board of Trustees will notify the claimant of the Board’s adverse decision within a reasonable period of time but not later than 45 days after the receipt of the claim by the Board unless special circumstances require an extension. An additional 30-day extension is allowed provided the Board determines that it is necessary and notifies the claimant prior to the expiration of the 45 day period. A second 30-day extension is allowed provided the Board again determines that it is necessary and notifies the claimant prior to the end of the first 30-day extension. Any notice of extension will explain the issues that prevent a decision and will request any additional information. The claimant will have 45 days to provide the needed information.
   
2. The claimant will have 180 days to appeal the decision.
   
3. The review of a claim for disability benefits upon appeal will be made at regular meetings of the Board of Trustees.