Garg v. Employee Benefits Administrative Committee

Garg v. Employee Benefits Administrative Committee

What Happened

A former employee of Square D Company sued the company's Employee Benefits Administrative Committee after his disability benefits claim was denied. The employee argued he should have received disability benefits and that the company failed to accommodate his disability needs.

What the Court Decided

The court sided with the company. The judge upheld an earlier ruling that the employee's disability benefits claim was correctly rejected for two reasons: his health insurance coverage ended when he stopped working for Square D, and he did not meet the company's definition of disability while he was still employed.

Why This Matters for Workers

This case shows that disability benefit eligibility is often tied directly to active employment. Once workers leave their jobs—whether by choice or termination—their benefits typically end. Additionally, workers must meet their employer's specific definition of "disability" while still working to qualify for these benefits. If you face disability issues, it's important to understand your plan's exact requirements and act while still employed, as coverage gaps can occur after job separation.