Appeal Rights

All claims for benefits must be in writing and should be addressed to the Plan at the Fund Office.

The Executive Administrator will make a determination on the initial claim for benefits and will respond in writing within 90 days of receiving the claim, explaining the decision and specifying the Plan provisions on which the decision is based. If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the notice of denial will identify any additional material you should submit or any steps you should take to perfect your claim.

If a participant’s claim for benefits under the Plan is denied, or a participant believes that benefits under the Plan have been improperly determined, the participant may ask the Plan trustees to review the decision by filing a written appeal within 60 days of receiving the Executive Administrator’s original decision. The participant (or his representative) may review Plan records relating to his account and submit written materials in connection with his claim for consideration by the Plan trustees. The Plan trustees’ decision on appeal will be made within 60 days of receiving the request for review, unless special circumstances require an extension, which will not exceed an additional 60 days. The decision on the appeal will be given in writing, will explain the basis for the decision and will be final.