DOL Provides Additional Relief for Participants Impacted by Helene and Milton

The Department of Labor (DOL), in conjunction with the Joint Notice from the Treasury Department, announced yesterday, that is extending certain specified timeframes for participants and beneficiaries in regard to special enrollment, COBRA, claims procedures, and external review processes for health coverage and other employer benefits, has issued additional guidance and further relief for participants of employee benefit plans affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In an accompanying press release, the DOL has announced EBSA Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01 and a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The Notice extends deadlines for distribution of benefit statements, annual funding notices and other ERISA-required documents, along with compliance assistance for plan loans, participant contributions, blackout notices, Form 5500 and other ERISA-related issues. The FAQ provides additional information for participants on the relief being granted in relation to their employer-based health plan coverage and retirement benefits.