Hawkins-Dean

MEMORANDUM **

Appellant Peggy Hawkins-Dean was employed by Robert Half International (“RHI”) and was enrolled in RHI’s Long-Term Disability Benefits Plan (“the Plan”). The Plan is funded by a group policy issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) to RHI and is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. §§ 1001 et seq. This matter was originally before the district court in a separate action regarding Hawkins-Dean’s entitlement to long-term disability benefits under the Plan. MetLife denied Hawkins-Dean’s benefits claim, and she brought suit. Before the district court ruled on the parties’ motions for summary judgment, MetLife admitted Hawkins-Dean’s benefits eligibility, leaving only the amount of benefits in question. The district court remanded the matter to MetLife to determine the amount of monthly benefits due to Hawkins-Dean. MetLife calculated the amount of benefits as 60% of Hawkins-Dean’s earnings, not including stock options she received from RHI. This resulted in an amount significantly lower than Hawkins-Dean anticipated, and she again filed suit.

Faced with this controversy, the district judge held that…