Facing a denial under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program can be overwhelming—especially when financial support is urgently needed. Unlike private life insurance, FEGLI claims involve federal regulations, strict beneficiary designations, and unique appeal procedures. If your FEGLI claim was denied, you still have options. Here's how to respond effectively. If you need help with a denied life insurance in Connecticut call us.
Step 1: Understand the Specific Reason Your FEGLI Claim Was Denied
Before taking any further action, carefully review the official denial letter. Don’t assume it’s final. FEGLI claims can be denied for several reasons, including:
Incorrect or outdated beneficiary designation
Missing or late premium payments before death
Policy exclusions involving suicide within the first year
Disputed eligibility of the claimant or the deceased
Coverage lapse due to separation from federal service
Example: A surviving spouse in Maryland was denied a FEGLI payout because the policy listed a former spouse as the sole beneficiary. Under federal rules, the designation controls—even if it contradicts a will. However, we successfully argued for waiver based on OPM correspondence showing knowledge of the spouse change.
Many denial letters use complex regulatory language. If you’re unsure why your claim was denied, it’s essential to consult someone who understands FEGLI-specific policy wording and federal law.
Step 2: Hire a Federal Life Insurance Lawyer to Review Your Denial
Not all attorneys understand the intricacies of FEGLI claims. You need a lawyer experienced in contesting denied FEGLI life insurance benefits who can identify federal procedural errors and policy interpretation issues.
A FEGLI claim lawyer can help you:
Interpret vague or technical denial reasons
Determine if OPM or the carrier misapplied policy terms
Challenge invalid beneficiary changes or omissions
Recover benefits in cases involving policy lapse due to administrative error
Example: A federal employee’s coverage was terminated after an agency failed to submit enrollment paperwork. When the employee passed away unexpectedly, the claim was denied. We proved agency fault and recovered the full payout for the rightful beneficiary.
Step 3: File a FEGLI Appeal with Legal Precision
If you’ve received a denial, you may have the right to appeal the FEGLI claim decision through the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) or challenge the decision directly with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This process is not as simple as sending a letter—it must follow a strict format, include persuasive legal arguments, and reference relevant federal regulations.
Your appeal should include:
The original denial letter
Supporting documents (death certificate, designation forms, etc.)
Any correspondence with the federal agency
A legal memorandum challenging the denial under applicable statutes and policy language
Deadlines are critical. If you miss the appeal window, you may lose your right to pursue the claim permanently.
Step 4: Prepare for Litigation if Necessary
If the FEGLI appeal is denied again or if OPM refuses to reconsider, your only recourse may be to file a lawsuit in federal court. This is where having an experienced federal life insurance litigation attorney is essential.
Common litigation scenarios include:
Beneficiary disputes involving ex-spouses or children
Failure of a federal agency to maintain coverage or process changes
Claims denied based on unclear or unverified cause of death
Allegations of fraud or misrepresentation used to deny claims
We’ve handled FEGLI cases across the country, including those where the federal government claimed the employee had no coverage due to resignation or retirement—but the employee had documentation proving continuation of coverage.
Why Work With a Lawyer Who Specializes in Denied FEGLI Claims?
FEGLI denials often arise from technicalities, outdated forms, or errors by the insured's employer agency. A standard life insurance lawyer may not be familiar with FEGLI-specific rules or OPM protocols. Choosing a legal team that focuses on federal employee life insurance disputes gives you a critical advantage.
We know how to:
Investigate policy history using SF-2823 and FEGLI records
Communicate directly with OPM and OFEGLI examiners
Resolve eligibility conflicts in federal employee records
Handle appeals and litigation under federal jurisdiction
What to Do If You’ve Been Denied a FEGLI Payout
Don’t let a denial derail your financial recovery. Whether you’re the named beneficiary or believe you should be, you still have legal options. Here’s what to do now:
Request a complete copy of the decedent’s FEGLI file
Do not send additional information without legal review
Preserve all communication with OPM, the employing agency, and the insurer
Call a lawyer experienced in FEGLI denials immediately
We offer free consultations and only take cases on contingency—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you.