to accept or deny the claim. If the claim is denied, in whole or in part, the claimant will receive a written response within 90 days. This response will include (i) the reason(s) for the denial, (ii) reference(s) to the specific Plan provisions on which denial is based, (iii) a description of any additional information necessary to perfect the claim, and (iv) a description of the Plan’s claims and appeals procedures. In some cases more than 90 days may be needed to make a decision, in which case the claimant will be notified prior to the expiration of the 90 days that more time is needed to review the claim and the date by which the Plan expects to render the decision. In no event will the extension be for more than an additional 90 days.
Appeal of Denied Claim.The claimant may appeal a denied claim by filing an appeal with the Administrative Committee within 60 days after the claim is denied. The appeal should be sent to the address provided in Section 6 above. As part of the appeal process the claimant will be given the opportunity to submit written comments and information and be provided, upon request and free of charge, with copies of documents and other information relevant to the claim. The review on appeal will take into account all information submitted on appeal, whether or not it was provided for in the initial benefit determination. A decision will be made on the appeal within 60 days, unless additional time is needed. If more time is needed, the claimant will be notified prior to the expiration of the 60 days that up to an additional 60 days is needed and the date by which the Plan expects to render the decision. If the claim is denied, in whole or in part, on appeal the claimant will receive a written response which will include (i) the reason(s) for the denial, (ii) references to the specific Plan provisions on which the denial is based, (iii) a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, copies of all documents and other information relevant to the claim on appeal, and (iv) a description of the Plan’s claims and appeals procedures.
If the claim is denied on appeal, the Officer has the right to bring an action under Section 502(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Any claimant must pursue all claims and appeals procedures described in the Plan document before seeking any other legal recourse with respect to Plan benefits. In addition, any lawsuit must be filed within six months from the date of the denied appeal, or two years from the Officer’s termination date, whichever occurs first.
9. | Amendment. The Company (acting through the Compensation Committee) reserves the right at any time to terminate or amend this Plan in any respect and without the consent of any Officer. |
10. | Unfunded Obligations. All benefits due an Officer or the Officer’s beneficiary under this Plan are unfunded and unsecured and are payable out of the general funds of the Company. The Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, may establish a trust associated with the payment of Plan benefits, provided that the trust does not alter the characterization of the Plan as an “unfunded plan” for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended. Any such trust shall make distributions in accordance with the terms of the Plan. |
11. | Transferability of Benefits. The right to receive payment of any benefits under this Plan shall not be transferred, assigned or pledged except by beneficiary designation or by will or under the laws of descent and distribution. |