Appealing a Denied Claim

You may file a claim for benefits with the recordkeeper for the Plan To initiate payment of your Plan benefits contact:

Fidelity Investments Tax-Exempt
Services Company (Fidelity)
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 1-800-343-0860

When you apply for benefits, there are time periods within which you must receive a decision on your claim for benefits. If you or your beneficiary applies for benefits and either part or all of the request is denied, you have the right to appeal that deci­sion, provided the appeal is made in accordance with the provisions of the plan and applicable laws (e.g., appeals must be filed within required time periods).

Claims and Appeals to the University

Claims and appeals regarding benefits or other issues affecting plan participants or other persons for The Retirement Plan should be made to the University’s Plan Administration Committee.

For claims and appeals to the University’s Plan Administration Committee, the following proce­dures will apply.

If a claim for benefits is either wholly or partially denied, you will be notified in writing within 90 days after receipt of your claim (180 days if special cir­cumstances apply). The notice will state:

  • the reasons why the claim was denied,
  • the specific references in the plan document that support those reasons,
  • the information you must provide to verify your claim and the reasons why that information is necessary,
  • the Plan’s review procedures, including your right to bring a civil action following an adverse benefit determination on review,
  • and the deadline for requesting review.
  • After receiving the notice, you or your beneficiaries may request, in writing, a review of your claim by the University’s Plan Administration Committee by submitting an appeal to:

Plan Administration Committee
c/o Plan Administrator
Boston University Human Resources
25 Buick Street
Boston, MA 02215

  • Your appeal of a denied claim must be submitted within 60 days after your claim has been denied. You (or your representative) may review Plan documents and submit issues and com­ments orally, in writing, or both.
  • The Plan Administration Committee (or Senior Vice President and General Counsel) will conduct a full and fair review of your claim and appeal, and notify you of the final decision regarding your appeal within 60 days (120 days if special circum­stances apply) after your request for review is received. The deci­sion will be in writing and will include:
    • the specific reason or reasons for the adverse determination;
    • reference to the specific Plan provisions on which the determination is based;
    • a statement that you are entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other relevant information; and
    • a statement of your right to bring a civil action under section 502(a) of ERISA and a description of the limitations period provided by the Plan, including the date on which the limitations period will expire.