Except as provided in [Section 6.3(c)(2)], the named fiduciary must render a decision no later than 60 days after receiving the written request for review, unless circumstances make it impossible to do so; but in no event shall the decision be rendered later than 120 days after the request for review is received. If the named fiduciary determines that an extension of time for processing is required, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the claimant by the plan administrator prior to the termination of the initial 60-day period. The extension notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the plan expects to render the determination on review.

A decision will be rendered no more than 60 days after the Plan Administrator’s receipt of the request for review, except that such period may be extended for an additional 60 days if the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances (such as for a hearing) require such extension. If an extension of time is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the claimant before the end of the initial 60-day period.

A decision will be rendered no more than 60 days after the receipt of the request for review, except that such period may be extended for an additional 60 days if the Plan Committee determines that circumstances (such as for a meeting) require such extension. If an extension of time is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the claimant before the end of the initial 60-day period.

The Plan Administrator shall render a determination upon the appealed claim which determination shall be accompanied by a written statement as to the reasons therefore. The determination shall be communicated to the Claimant within 60 days of the Claimant’s request for review, unless the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim. In such case, the Plan Administrator shall notify the Claimant of the need for an extension of time to render its decision prior to the end of the initial 60-day period, and the Plan Administrator shall have an additional 60-day period to make its determination. The determination so rendered shall be binding upon all parties. If the determination is adverse to the Claimant, the notice shall: # provide the reason or reasons for denial; # make specific reference to the Plan provisions on which the determination was based; # include a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the Claimant’s claim for benefits; and # state that the Claimant has the right to bring an action under [section 502(a)] of ERISA.

(c) Timing of Plan Administrator Response. The Plan Administrator shall respond to the claimant’s request for review within 60 days after receiving the request. If the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the request, the Plan Administrator can extend the response period by an additional 60 days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial 60-day period, which an additional period is required. The notice of extension must set forth the date by which the Plan Administrator expects to render its decision.