When disaster strikes, time is of the essence. In the aftermath of severe weather events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the federal government has introduced a Relief Period to support affected businesses and individuals. Recognizing the challenges faced by many, the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury have extended important deadlines related to employee benefit plans.
Relief Periods by State
The start dates for the Relief Period vary by state based on FEMA’s disaster area designations, but all periods end on May 1, 2025.
- Florida (Hurricane Helene): September 23, 2024 – May 1, 2025
- Georgia (Hurricane Helene): September 24, 2024 – May 1, 2025
- North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene): September 25, 2024 – May 1, 2025
- Tennessee (Tropical Storm Helene): September 26, 2024 – May 1, 2025
- Florida (Hurricane Milton): October 5, 2024 – May 1, 2025
Affected Deadlines
Also similar to the Outbreak Period during the COVID-19 pandemic, several key areas now have extended deadlines:
- COBRA Notices: Extended deadline for providing COBRA notices
- COBRA Election Period: Extended deadline for electing COBRA continuation coverage
- COBRA Premium Payments: Additional time to make necessary payments for continued coverage
- Qualifying Event Notifications: More time to inform plans about significant life events that affect coverage.
- Claim and Appeals Filing: Longer periods to file claims and appeals, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to receive benefits
- External Review Requests: Extended deadline for requesting external review
- Incomplete External Review Requests: Extended deadline for perfecting incomplete external review requests
The federal government is expected to provide further guidance on implementing the Relief Period, including whether specific notifications are required or if plans can make adjustments upon request. Whether you are navigating the complexities of COBRA notices or handling claim filings, this Relief Period ensures that you have the necessary time to take care of your team and your business.
