Denied FEGLI Claim

Navigating FEGLI Claim Disputes as a Massachusetts Beneficiary

Posted on by Trief & Olk
If you’re reading this, chances are someone close to you recently passed, and you’ve found yourself dealing with something you didn’t expect: a problem with a life insurance claim. The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance, or FEGLI, is a program created for federal workers. It helps by giving life insurance to government employees, and when they pass away, their loved ones—like you—are supposed to get that money.
But what happens when you don’t? Maybe your claim was denied. Maybe someone else is also claiming the same benefits. Maybe you were told you weren’t even listed as the beneficiary, even though your loved one told you that you were. These moments are confusing, painful, and unfair. That’s where knowing your rights—and having the right help—can make all the difference.

The Most Common Reasons for FEGLI Claim Disputes in Massachusetts

Many families in Massachusetts run into the same problems with FEGLI claims. Sometimes the issue is simple paperwork. Maybe the beneficiary form wasn’t updated, or someone forgot to sign it. Other times, there are deeper problems. You might be dealing with a challenge from an ex-spouse, another relative, or even a government office that says something doesn’t add up. These issues often come down to questions like who is the rightful beneficiary, whether the person who passed away filled out their forms the right way, or if someone is claiming the money by mistake—or worse, by fraud. If any of this sounds like what you’re facing, you’re not alone.

Ted Trief (Partner)

Life insurance attorney since 1976

Barbara Olk (Retired)

Life insurance attorney since 1976

Eyal Dror (Associate)

Life Insurance Attorney since 2007

What the Government Doesn’t Always Make Clear

The Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) handles these claims. They decide who gets paid and who doesn’t. They are supposed to follow the rules, but they don’t always get it right. If two or more people claim the same benefits, they may stop everything and file something called an interpleader. That means they ask a court to decide. That delays the payment and puts you in the middle of a legal fight you never asked for. This is especially hard if you just lost someone you love. You may feel overwhelmed, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. That’s normal. But it’s also when you need to act fast and protect what’s yours.

What You Can Do if Your FEGLI Claim Is Denied or Disputed

If your claim has been denied, or if you’re stuck in a dispute, don’t wait. You have a right to fight for the benefits you were promised. This starts with understanding why the claim was denied. Was it because of missing information? Or was someone else listed on the beneficiary form? Or did the insurance company say the policy had lapsed? You can ask for records. You can ask for the forms your loved one filled out. And you can ask for a copy of any decision made. But make sure you do this with help. The process can be long, the forms can be confusing, and mistakes can be costly.

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We contacted Trief & Olk to help us with a life insurance issue and Shelly Friedland was the attorney assigned to our case. Before Shelly took our case she explained to us that the likelihood of our success without going to court was possible but not likely. Unfortunately we did not get the outcome we had hoped for but it was our decision to not move forward and have our case litigated. Shelly is very knowledgeable and was very straight-forward in her assessment of our case as we moved forward. She was very patient and thorough in answering our questions. She always responded in a timely manner and listened to our concerns. We would certainly recommend Shelly and would use her firm again in the future.”

- John Ramig

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If there is any possibility of winning your life insurance case – this is the place to do it for you. They are efficient, honest and will achieve the best possible outcome.

Shelly Friedland worked on my case where a life insurance policy had lapsed and was even a few days beyond the grace period. Farmers had rejected my claim twice and was unwilling to take a second look. Shelly was able to get them to pay the entire claim without going to court, and the full amount was deposited in my account within a couple months. Highest recommendation.”

- Kathleen Brown

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Trief & Olk is a superior law firm. Their attorneys and other legal professionals have a brilliant understanding of the law and the litigation process. They diligently perform their work in an efficient, strategic and cost-effective manner to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

- Christopher Hughes

Why FEGLI Cases Are Different in Massachusetts

Every state handles legal claims in its own way, and Massachusetts is no different. If an interpleader case has been filed, it will likely be in a federal court, but the law still touches on state issues like fraud, undue influence, and probate rights. Some courts in Massachusetts will look at whether the person who filled out the beneficiary form was of sound mind. Others will look at whether someone pressured them to change the form. These are hard questions, but courts do take them seriously. If you think something wasn’t right, you need to speak up—and show the proof.

How Courts Decide Who Gets the Money

FEGLI is what’s called a “federal benefit,” and that means it usually goes to the person listed on the last signed beneficiary form. But courts also look at facts. If someone lied to get listed as the beneficiary, or if they tricked the policyholder, the court can reverse that. If no form exists, or if it’s unclear, the money may go to the estate, and then through the probate process. The good news is that courts want to get it right. They want to make sure the benefits go to the right person. Your job is to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are defended.

The Steps You Should Take Right Now

If your FEGLI claim is being challenged, there are a few things you should do. Start by gathering all the documents you have—emails, letters, copies of forms. If you were listed on an older form and someone else is on the newer one, ask why. Think about whether your loved one was being influenced, or if they would’ve changed things if they had the chance. Next, talk to someone who knows how to handle FEGLI cases in Massachusetts courts. These cases are different from normal life insurance disputes. They involve special laws, and you need someone who’s handled them before. Don’t try to do it alone. And don’t assume you’ll just win because “it’s what’s fair.” You need to make your case, step by step, with someone who knows the rules.

Settlements & Verdicts

$3 Million Policy

William Penn Life Insurance

$1.2 Million Policy

Primerica

$1.5 Million Policy

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company

$1 Million Policy

Protective Life Insurance

$675,000 Settlement

Confidential Settlement

$4.3 Million Policy

State Farm, Primerica, Farmers, BrightHouse

When Time Is Not on Your Side

One of the hardest parts about a FEGLI dispute is how long it can drag on. Weeks can turn into months. In some cases, it’s years before the right person sees a single dollar. That delay is painful—especially when you may need that money for funeral costs, unpaid bills, or just to take care of what your loved one left behind. It can feel like you’re stuck, waiting while others argue over something that was meant for you. But time is not neutral in these situations. The longer you wait to take action, the harder it can be to gather the proof you need. Witnesses move away or forget details. Paperwork disappears. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly. Don’t let someone else’s delay or false claim keep you from what your loved one wanted you to have.

What Happens If There Was No Beneficiary Named

Sometimes the paperwork is missing. Sometimes no one filled out the form. That doesn’t mean the money disappears. But it does mean the process changes. If there’s no named beneficiary, FEGLI pays out according to a set order, usually starting with the spouse, then children, then parents, and so on. Even in those cases, families still argue. It happens when there’s confusion, mistrust, or simply when someone wants more than their share. If you’re facing this kind of situation, you need someone who understands how federal law interacts with Massachusetts probate rules. That’s not something you want to guess on or leave to chance.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Losing someone you care about is already one of the hardest things you’ll ever go through. Fighting for the life insurance they meant to leave you shouldn’t be something you face alone. If you’re dealing with a denied FEGLI claim, a court fight over who gets the benefits, or if you’ve just learned that someone else is claiming the money, now is the time to take action. At Trief & Olk, we help families in Massachusetts get what’s rightfully theirs. We handle FEGLI claim disputes with care, clarity, and a strong plan. We understand what’s at stake and we fight to make sure your loved one’s final wishes are honored. Call us today to talk with someone who knows how to help. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and stand with you every step of the way. You’ve already faced enough. Let us handle the fight from here.