The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program provides life insurance to federal employees and retirees. It sounds simple at first. If a loved one had this insurance and passed away, you expect the money from their policy to come to you. But sometimes, that does not happen. The Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) may deny a claim, and the reason might not make much sense. When this happens, it can feel scary, unfair, and confusing, especially during a hard time like grieving a loss.
Common reasons for denial include missing paperwork, questions about who should receive the benefits, or problems with changes made to the policy. Sometimes, the government says the person who passed away was not properly enrolled. Other times, there may be more than one person claiming the same benefits. No matter what the reason is, a denied FEGLI claim can bring emotional and financial stress. If this happened to you in New York, you are not alone. Many others have gone through this and found ways to fight back and win.
The Appeal Process and What It Involves
Once a claim is denied, there is a process you can follow to challenge that decision. This is called an appeal. It means asking the office in charge to take another look and fix the mistake. But this process is not always easy. There are many rules to follow, and you need to act quickly. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to appeal.
The first step is to ask for a review of the decision. This is done by writing a letter to OFEGLI. You must include reasons why the decision was wrong, and you must send any papers that help prove your point. Sometimes this means getting older records, such as pay stubs, policy documents, or letters showing the insured person’s intentions. If the problem is about who should receive the money, it may require even more paperwork, including wills or affidavits.
This part of the process can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. But if you stay calm and organized, and keep track of everything, it can help your case.
Why FEGLI Appeals in New York Can Be Tricky
Filing an appeal in New York brings its own set of problems. That’s because federal law controls the FEGLI program, but local facts and events often play a big role. For example, if someone changed their beneficiary in New York, that change needs to follow the federal rules, even if local rules say something different. That means a form filled out properly at work in New York might still get denied under federal rules.
Another common issue is when more than one person claims they should get the benefits. This might happen after a divorce, or if the policyholder remarried but forgot to update their paperwork. In New York, family laws are strong, but federal law is what matters in FEGLI cases. Even if a court in New York says a former spouse should not get benefits, the FEGLI rules might still give them the money if the paperwork was never changed.
This is why it’s important to understand how the law works across both systems. It helps to gather all the facts, find the right forms, and explain your side clearly. It also helps to stay focused on the goal and not get lost in the back-and-forth of legal steps.
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
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
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
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Appeal
Many appeals fail because of small mistakes that people don’t know they’re making. One common mistake is missing deadlines. FEGLI appeals often have short timelines, sometimes only 30 or 60 days from the date of denial. Waiting too long to take action can close the door forever.
Another mistake is not sending the right papers. Just saying the decision was unfair is not enough. You need proof. That proof might include pay records, beneficiary forms, old emails, or even letters from co-workers or supervisors. Sometimes people send the wrong versions of forms or forget to sign something, and that can lead to another denial.
It’s also easy to get overwhelmed and stop fighting. The forms can feel hard to understand, and the steps may seem endless. But staying on track and being careful with every detail gives you a better chance at winning your appeal.
What to Do If Your FEGLI Claim Was Denied
If you live in New York and got a letter saying your FEGLI claim was denied, the most important thing to do is act quickly. Read the letter carefully. Look for the reason the claim was denied. If you do not understand it, take time to learn what it means. Sometimes it is just a small mistake that can be fixed.
Write down the date you got the letter. This helps you keep track of your deadline to appeal. Then, gather all the papers you have about the insurance policy. This includes any forms the policyholder filled out, pay stubs, changes in beneficiary forms, divorce papers, marriage certificates, or anything else that shows who the person wanted to receive the money.
Life Insurance Denial Statistics
20%
The annual average number of life insurance claims denied.
$50 Million
The yearly average dollar amount of claims denied by life insurance companies.
.2%
The number of claims appealed annually by consumers.
Write a clear letter explaining why you think the denial was wrong. Be polite but firm. Use facts and include copies of the papers that support your side. Keep copies of everything you send. If possible, send your appeal by certified mail so you have proof it was received.
If you do not hear back after a while, follow up. Be patient, but do not be afraid to ask for updates. Sometimes these cases take time, but staying involved helps move things forward.
Why Getting Help Matters in Tough Cases
Some FEGLI appeals in New York are very simple. Others are not. If your case involves a dispute between family members, missing paperwork, or a complex timeline of events, it may be harder to win on your own. This is especially true if the other side has already made a strong claim or if you are not sure how the law applies to your situation.
In cases like this, having someone who knows how to work through the FEGLI appeal system can make a big difference. These cases are not like local court cases. They follow federal rules, and those rules can be strict. Someone with experience handling these appeals will know what kind of proof to gather, how to write the letters, and what steps to take if the appeal is denied again.
Even when emotions are high, it helps to have someone on your side who can speak clearly for you. This helps keep your case focused and gives you a better chance at getting the benefits you are owed.
Settlements & Verdicts
Moving Forward With Confidence and Care
Losing a loved one is hard enough. Dealing with a denied FEGLI claim on top of that can feel unfair and painful. But you do not have to give up. Many people in New York have faced this same challenge and won their appeals. It takes clear thinking, patience, and the right plan.
The most important thing is to act quickly. Gather your records, write your appeal, and follow the rules closely. If the case becomes too hard to manage alone, you have the right to ask for help. You do not need to fight this battle without support.
At Trief & Olk, we have helped many families through difficult FEGLI appeals. If you are facing a denied claim, we are here to guide you. We know how to build strong appeals, and we take the time to understand your case. Contact us today to get started. You do not have to face this alone.
