The Pension Committee shall make all determinations as to the right of any person to a benefit under the Employees' Pension Plan. Claims for benefits under the Plan shall be filed with said Committee. Written notification of the disposition of a claim shall be furnished reasonably promptly to the claimant. Any partial or total denial by said Committee of a claim for benefits under the Plan by a member or beneficiary shall be stated in writing by said Committee and delivered or mailed to the member or beneficiary; and such notice shall set forth the specific reasons and explanation for the denial. Further, if appropriate, such notice shall contain a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary and an explanation of the procedure by which the claimant can obtain a review of the decision. Any employee, former employee, or beneficiary of either, who has been denied a claimed benefit shall be entitled to review all pertinent documents and upon request to the Committee shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for a review by said Committee of the decision denying the claim. Such a request for review shall be made in writing and filed with the Chairperson of said Committee within a reasonable period, as specified by said Committee in writing from time to time, after the delivery to said claimant of the written notice denying the claim benefit. Such written request for review shall contain all additional information which the claimant wishes the Committee to consider. The Committee may hold any hearing or conduct any independent investigation which it deems necessary to render its decision, and the decision on review shall be made as soon as possible after said Committee's receipt of the request for review. Written notice of the decision on review shall be promptly furnished to the claimant and shall include specific reasons for such decisions and such notice shall set forth the specific reasons and explanation for denial of the benefit written. For all purposes under the Plan, such decisions on review (where requested) or such decisions on claims (where no review is requested) shall be final, binding and conclusive on all interested persons as to all pertinent matters.
(Ord. 826. Passed 10-9-84.)