PBRB Process
Using the Pilot Benefit Review Board for disputes
The PBRB Process
The Pilot Benefit Review Board (PBRB) is a joint pilot-and-management board established through the CBA. It resolves certain benefit disputes without going to federal court, and its decisions are binding on the company — you don't need an attorney to bring a case, though you can have help.
What It's For — and What It Isn't
PBRB is the right forum for disputes over how a benefit was calculated or how plan language was interpreted — for example, Hartford using the wrong SDI figure in an offset, or a disagreement over the definition of "pre-disability earnings."
It is not the place for:
- Initial claim denials — exhaust Hartford's internal appeal first (you have 180 days to file that appeal)
- EDD/SDI issues — those go through the state process, not the CBA
- Employment disputes or anything outside the benefit plan
Where PBRB Fits
| Option | Best for | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford appeal | Initial denials | 180 days to file |
| PBRB | Calculation/interpretation disputes | Varies |
| ERISA lawsuit | Final resort after appeals | 2–3 years |
You must complete Hartford's internal appeal before PBRB will hear the dispute. If PBRB rules against you, an ERISA lawsuit may still be available.
Bringing a Case
Contact ALPA or the MEC to confirm your issue qualifies and to get the current forms and procedure. Your submission should include your complete claim file (all Hartford correspondence and appeal decisions), the relevant policy language, and — for a calculation dispute — both Hartford's math and yours, showing exactly where they differ. State the specific resolution you're asking for.
Next Steps
- Appealing Hartford Decisions — exhaust this first
- Contacts — ALPA and Hartford contact info
- Templates — request letter templates