What Are The COBRA Timelines For Notification Requirements?

3/15/2026

Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), there are strict timelines for when employers, plan administrators, and qualified beneficiaries must provide or receive various notifications related to COBRA continuation coverage. These notices and timelines include:

• A General (Initial) COBRA Rights Notice that must be provided within 90 days after group health plan coverage begins
• If not self-administering, the employer must provide notice of a Qualifying Event to the plan administrator within 30 days of the qualifying event when a qualifying event occurs (e.g., termination, reduction in hours, death)
• A COBRA Election Notice that Informs qualified beneficiaries of their right to elect COBRA coverage, including coverage details, deadlines, and costs. This notice must be sent within 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice of the qualifying event
• Qualified Beneficiary Notification of Qualifying Events when the qualifying event is divorce, legal separation, or loss of dependent child status, the employee or family member, who is responsible for notifying notify the plan within 60 days of the qualifying event
• The COBRA Election Period, which is the period during which the qualified beneficiary can elect to continue coverage under COBRA. Essentially, the qualified beneficiary has 60 days from the later of The date coverage is lost, or the date the election notice is provided to elect coverage. If they don't elect within this 60-day window, they lose COBRA rights
• COBRA Premium Payment Deadlines. The first payment is due 45 days after the COBRA election; ongoing Monthly Payments are typically due on the first of each month, often with a 30-day grace period
• A Notice of Early Termination of COBRA that notifies qualified beneficiaries if their COBRA coverage ends before the maximum period (e.g., due to nonpayment, Medicare entitlement, new group plan, etc.)