Last year the Department of Labor (DOL) finalized new disability claims procedure rules, effective January 1, 2018, to add more procedural safeguards and provide claimants access to more information. Covered Plans The new rules are not limited to disability plans.  They apply to all ERISA welfare and pension plans that provide benefits based on a finding of disability (e.g., vesting or payment under pension, 401(k), and top hat plans or life insurance plans that require…