$372,000 FEGLI Life Insurance Claim Successfully Resolved by Our Attorneys
Our FEGLI life insurance lawyers are proud to announce the successful resolution of a $372,000 denied Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) claim. The beneficiary came to us after being wrongfully denied benefits, and we fought aggressively to overturn the denial and secure the full payout. This case highlights just how complex and frustrating the FEGLI claims process can be—especially when beneficiaries are left navigating strict federal rules and confusing paperwork during an already painful time.
How FEGLI Works and Who It's For
FEGLI is a group life insurance program offered to federal employees, retirees, and eligible family members. Administered by the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI), the program offers several layers of coverage:
Basic FEGLI (automatically provided unless waived)
Option A (Standard Additional Insurance)
Option B (Additional Insurance based on salary)
Option C (Family Coverage for spouse and children)
Although FEGLI can provide substantial financial protection, getting paid is not always simple—especially when a claim is delayed or denied.
How to File a FEGLI Claim
When a covered individual passes away, the claims process begins with notifying OFEGLI of the death. After that, the beneficiary must submit a completed FE-6 claim form, along with required documents such as:
A certified copy of the death certificate
Proof of relationship to the insured (if applicable)
Additional documentation depending on the policy type and cause of death
Once the paperwork is submitted, OFEGLI reviews the claim to confirm eligibility, verify the beneficiary designation, and determine whether the death falls within the policy’s covered terms. If the claim is approved, the death benefit is disbursed. If denied, the beneficiary has only one opportunity to appeal—making legal representation critical from the outset.
Why FEGLI Life Insurance Claims Get Denied
FEGLI claim denials can happen for several reasons. Below are the most common causes:
Eligibility Issues: If the insured was not actively covered at the time of death (due to retirement, opting out, or other status changes), the claim may be denied. Some retirees mistakenly assume they kept their FEGLI coverage when they did not.
Policy Lapse: Non-payment of premiums can lead to cancellation. Many claimants discover—too late—that coverage lapsed months or years before the death.
Misrepresentation or Fraud: If the insured made material misstatements about health conditions or employment status during enrollment, the policy may be voided.
Cause of Death Not Covered: Certain activities, such as illegal behavior or high-risk hobbies, may be excluded from coverage. Additionally, suicide within the first two years of a policy can result in denial due to the suicide clause.
Missing or Incomplete Documentation: Claims lacking proper documentation—such as a valid death certificate or confirmation of employment status—can be delayed or denied.
Beneficiary Disputes: Conflicting claims or unclear beneficiary designations often trigger delays or result in the insurance company filing an interpleader action in court.
Administrative Errors: Government records aren’t perfect. Incorrect payroll deductions, failure to update beneficiary designations, and employer missteps can lead to wrongful denials.
Why You Shouldn’t Appeal a Denied FEGLI Claim Without Legal Help
Federal regulations typically allow only one appeal of a denied FEGLI claim. Submitting an incomplete or poorly argued appeal can permanently ruin your chance of receiving benefits. That’s why you need an experienced life insurance attorney who understands how to gather evidence, challenge misinterpretations, and communicate with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and OFEGLI effectively.
At LifeInsuranceAttorney.com, we handle every aspect of the appeal—from obtaining government employment records to working with federal HR departments and building compelling legal arguments. We've successfully overturned wrongful denials due to policy lapses, outdated designations, and coverage disputes involving Options B and C.
We Handle More Than Just Denied FEGLI Claims
In addition to FEGLI, our attorneys handle denied claims under:
SGLI (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance)
VGLI (Veterans’ Group Life Insurance)
ERISA-governed group policies
Private individual life insurance policies
Interpleader lawsuits and beneficiary disputes
We work nationwide, on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
FAQ: Denied FEGLI Life Insurance Claims
What is FEGLI?
FEGLI stands for Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance. It’s a group life insurance program for U.S. federal employees, retirees, and eligible family members. It includes basic and optional life coverage.
How do I know if a FEGLI policy was in effect when my loved one died?
You can request a copy of the insured’s FEGLI coverage records through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or consult with a FEGLI claims attorney who can investigate on your behalf.
What happens if my FEGLI claim is denied?
You have the right to file an appeal—but only one. It’s critical to hire an attorney to handle the appeal to ensure all legal and factual arguments are properly made.
Can FEGLI claims be denied for suicide?
Yes, but only if the suicide occurs within the first two years of the policy. After that period, suicide is typically covered.
What if the insured didn’t pay premiums?
Failure to pay premiums may result in a policy lapse. However, we often find that government payroll errors or notices sent to the wrong address are to blame—and we’ve reversed denials based on these issues.
Can I file a FEGLI claim if I’m not the named beneficiary?
No. FEGLI pays only to the listed beneficiary on file with OPM. If there’s no beneficiary, the benefit follows a statutory order of precedence.
What is a FEGLI interpleader case?
If multiple people claim entitlement to FEGLI benefits, the insurer may deposit the funds in court and let a judge decide. We represent claimants in these interpleader actions.
Can an ex-spouse still be the FEGLI beneficiary?
Yes—if the ex-spouse was never removed as beneficiary. Divorce does not automatically revoke FEGLI beneficiary designations.
How long does it take to get paid under a FEGLI policy?
If there are no disputes or issues, claims are often paid within 30–60 days. Denied claims or appeals may take significantly longer.
Is there a time limit to file a FEGLI claim?
There’s no strict deadline, but waiting too long may complicate matters. If more than four years pass without a claim, benefits may escheat back to the U.S. Treasury.