Denied FEGLI Claim Fact Sheet
Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience Helping federal employees and their families nationwide recover denied FEGLI benefits.
What Is FEGLI?
The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program is the largest group life insurance plan in the world, covering millions of federal employees and retirees. Managed by the Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) and regulated by federal law, FEGLI provides basic and optional coverage to designated beneficiaries.
Unlike private life insurance, FEGLI claims are governed by strict federal regulations, not state insurance laws.
Why FEGLI Claims Get Denied
Common denial reasons include:
- Outdated or missing beneficiary designation
- Failure to elect optional coverage properly
- Coverage ending after retirement or separation from service
- Failure to convert coverage after leaving employment
- Premium non‑payment disputes
- Misinterpretation of election forms (SF‑2817 issues)
- Employer reporting errors at time of death
- Spouse or family coverage misunderstandings
- Death ruled outside covered employment period
- Contestability issues based on enrollment documentation
Many denials stem from administrative errors or misinterpretations of FEGLI rules, not actual ineligibility.
What To Do After a Denied FEGLI Claim
- Request the denial letter and full claims file from OFEGLI.
- Review the denial reasons carefully against policy documents.
- Avoid filing an appeal alone FEGLI rules are complex and technical.
- Contact an experienced FEGLI attorney to prepare your appeal.
- Act promptly strict federal deadlines govern appeals and lawsuits.
Your Legal Rights
- Beneficiaries can appeal denials and demand full disclosure of records.
- Federal law requires insurers to justify denials with clear documentation.
- Courts can overturn denials caused by paperwork errors or misapplied rules.
Case Example
We recovered $200,000 for a surviving spouse after FEGLI wrongly denied a claim based on an outdated beneficiary form. By uncovering errors in OFEGLI’s processing, we secured full payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if the beneficiary designation is outdated?
A: Denials based on outdated forms can often be challenged if errors occurred in processing.
Q: Can FEGLI coverage continue after retirement?
A: Yes, but only if properly elected and premiums are paid. Many denials stem from conversion errors.
Q: How long do I have to appeal?
A: Federal deadlines are strict. Missing them can end your claim.
Q: Do I need an attorney?
A: Yes, FEGLI disputes involve federal regulations that require experienced legal guidance.
How We Help
- Obtain and analyze the full claims file from OFEGLI.
- Identify administrative errors and misapplied rules.
- Prepare detailed appeals within strict federal deadlines.
- File lawsuits in federal court when appeals fail.
- Secure rightful payouts for federal employees’ families nationwide.
Contact Us
If your FEGLI claim has been denied, don’t wait. Federal deadlines are unforgiving, and insurers count on families missing them. Call 800‑330‑2274 for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.
Key Takeaways
- FEGLI is governed by federal law, not state insurance rules.
- Denials often result from paperwork errors or outdated beneficiary forms.
- Appeals must be filed promptly under strict federal deadlines.
- Experienced attorneys dramatically improve the chances of success.
Free Case Evaluation Contact Us!
Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq., Nationally recognized life insurance lawyer: 25 years experience, hundreds of millions recovered. Quoted in The Wall Street Journal ( May 17, 2025).
Last reviewed: Dec 7, 2025 | Contact 800-330-2274
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 800-330-2274 today!
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A grace period is the time after a missed payment during which the policy remains in force, usually 30 to 60 days depending on state law and policy terms.
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No. In most states, insurers must send a written notice of overdue premiums and warn of pending lapse before terminating coverage.
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The policy may still be enforceable. Beneficiaries can challenge the lapse based on the insurer’s failure to provide required notice.
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Yes. If the insured dies during the grace period, the policy is still considered active, and benefits should be paid.
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Yes. In group life insurance policies, employers sometimes fail to forward premiums properly, leading to wrongful lapse denials.
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Yes. If automatic payment setups fail through no fault of the insured, lapses may be challenged.
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Some policies automatically borrow against cash value to cover missed payments. Failure to apply this correctly can lead to wrongful lapse claims.
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Possibly. Some courts excuse nonpayment if the insured was mentally incapacitated and missed premiums without proper notice.
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No. Reinstatement must occur while the insured is alive, but wrongful lapse denials can still be challenged posthumously.
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Not without following strict notice and grace period rules. Beneficiaries can often challenge technical denials.
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Deadlines vary by state, but it’s critical to act within 1 to 5 years depending on the policy and jurisdiction.
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Not necessarily. Payments mailed within grace periods or accepted by insurers may keep coverage active.
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Bank records, payment receipts, insurer correspondence, and premium notices are key evidence.
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If the insurer used an outdated address despite updated information, lapse denials can often be overturned.
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Possibly. If the insured submitted a reinstatement application before death, it may help challenge a lapse denial.
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In some states, special grace periods and protections applied during COVID-19 emergencies. They can help fight wrongful lapses.
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Only if the insurer followed all legal notice and grace period requirements. Otherwise, beneficiaries may still recover.
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Misapplied premiums can lead to wrongful lapses — and courts often hold insurers accountable for these errors.
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An attorney can obtain records, challenge improper lapses, negotiate settlements, and litigate if necessary to enforce payment.
Our Clients Speak Volumes
The Right Choice for Your Claim
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“They tried to connect my father’s death to an undisclosed pre-existing condition. Christian's firm reviewed the full medical file and showed it had no bearing. Within a month, we had the check.”- Susan B.
Why The Lassen Law Firm Is Different
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Proven National Results
With over two decades of exclusive focus on life insurance litigation, we’ve helped thousands of families recover wrongfully denied benefits. Our reputation for fast, strategic resolutions has made us a trusted national resource for complex claim disputes.
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Recognized ExpertisePerfect 10.0 Avvo rating endorsed by over 1,700 attorneys; life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; ranked among the top 1 percent of lawyers nationally for life insurance litigation.
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Client-First AdvocacyNo upfront fees: our contingency fee guarantee aligns our interests with yours; we provide personalized, compassionate representation from your initial consultation through resolution.
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Media & Community LeadershipQuoted in The Wall Street Journal and featured in leading legal publications; frequent speaker at national conferences; dedicated to charitable efforts supporting pediatric cancer care.
