About the Course
Introduction
This CLE course will provide employee benefits counsel and plan sponsors a detailed analysis of practical methods for creating and implementing claims procedures in accordance with ERISA and DOL regulations. The panel will discuss ERISA requirements for establishing claims procedures, implications of DOL regulations and recent guidance, and techniques for drafting claims procedures to minimize violations and ensure compliance.
Description
Section 503 of ERISA requires employee benefit plans to establish claims procedures that will provide participants and beneficiaries written notice of any denial of benefits and the opportunity for a full and fair review of the denial. Failure to do so can result in lawsuits, penalties, and a stricter standard upon judicial review.
Benefits counsel and plan sponsors must abide by the DOL regulations and ERISA requirements. Implementing claims procedures can limit liability under Section 502(a) and increase the likelihood a court will uphold claim denial challenges.
Listen as our panel provides techniques for crafting and implementing claims procedures in accordance with Section 503 and DOL regulations to minimize liability and ensure compliance.
Presented By
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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Date + Time
- event
Thursday, January 15, 2026
- schedule
1:00 PM E.T.
I. Claims procedure requirements under ERISA Section 503
II. DOL rule on disability claims procedures
III. DOL regulation §2560.503-1(l) and lawsuits under Section 502(a)
IV. Tips for drafting and implementing ERISA-compliant claims procedures
The panel will review these and other critical issues:
- Understanding the requirements of plan claims procedures under ERISA Section 503
- Filing limitations in plan documents and required SPD disclosures
- Drafting effective denial of claim and appeal notices
- Complying with all DOL claims procedure regulations
- DOL Regulation §2560.503-1(l) and understanding court review standards for lawsuits to recover benefits
- Reviewing and amending plan documents to minimize Section 502(a) lawsuits
