The Department of Labor (DOL) has announced that, effective April 1, 2018, employee benefit plans must comply with new requirements for disability benefit claims. In December 2016, the DOL released a final rule to strengthen the claims and appeals requirements for plans that provide disability benefits. The final rule was scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2018. However, it was delayed for 90 days, through April 1, 2018. Employers should check with their disability benefit administrators to ensure they are prepared to comply with the new rule.