Workers within the federal and public service sectors in Washington D.C. focus their careers on community-oriented goals. As a reward for serving social needs like teaching, you earn extensive benefits that include retirement savings, health insurance, and disability insurance. You work hard with the expectation of falling back on these generous programs in your time of need, and a benefits denial hits especially hard when you have given years of service to an organization. You might need outside legal advice to get clear information about the appeals process that would not be forthcoming from your employer.
Your financial security during a medical crisis or retirement depends on getting fair consideration from your benefits administrator. The terms that govern your plan benefits will vary depending on whether you work in a public or private setting. An attorney knowledgeable about benefits programs could review your situation and provide insights about your rights to coverage and compensation.
To pursue the benefits that you have earned by supporting the social good, you might have to present your case before specific entities prior to litigation. Examples of venues where your case might need to be heard include your board of education if you are a school district employee, the Office of Personnel Management or the Merit Systems Protection Board.
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 established rights for employees and imposed fiduciary duties on plan administrators. Issues like retirement plan termination or denial of benefits could undermine your long-term financial plans. Knowledge of ERISA benefits law might provide you with a better understanding of your legal position. An attorney may be able to provide guidance in these matters.