If the Annuity Fund Administrator denies your application for benefits, you may file a claim with the Administrator stating why you believe that your application should have been granted. The Administrator will review the claim, and grant or deny the claim in writing within 90 days after the claim is received. If special circumstances require an extension of time, the Administrator will notify you before the expiration of the 90 days and will make a determination on your claim in no more than 180 days from the date of the original application for benefits is received.

In case of a denial of your claim for benefits, the specific reasons for the denial with references to the Plan provisions upon which the denial is based will be furnished to you in writing. The Administrator will also inform you of the materials or information, which, if provided, would allow you to perfect your claim for benefits. You will have 60 days after receiving notice of denial (or after receiving a grant of benefits with which you partially agree) to appeal the determination (thereafter, your right to appeal is revoked).

In pursuing an appeal, you or your representative may review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing. The Annuity Fund Trustees will make a determination on your appeal in writing within 60 days after the filing of the appeal. If special circumstances require an extension of time, the Trustees will notify you before the expiration of the 60 days and will make a determination on your claim in no more than 120 days from the date you filed the appeal. If no determination is received within the prescribed time limits, it will constitute a denial of the claim on appeal.