Pension Plans

Back to Insights

How Can I Tell If My Benefit Plan Is Governed by ERISA?

ERISA is an acronym for the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Most people have never heard of ERISA, but its comprehensiveness impacts the vast majority of American workers and their dependents. The original intent behind ERISA’s enactment was to remedy pension plan abuses; however, just prior to Congress’ passage of the ERISA law, the scope […]

Is Your Retirement Plan Governed by ERISA?

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 was passed by Congress primarily to protect employee retirement benefits by establishing requirements to assure that promised benefits are delivered. One of the principal reasons that Congress was spurred to pass the ERISA law was the bankruptcy of the Studebaker car company in the 1960s. When the car maker failed, its workers learned to their surprise and disappointment that their promised pensions were not going to be paid to them […]

How Long Does Disability Retirement Last?

If you suffer a disabling injury or illness and are a government employee or participate in a defined benefit pension plan, such as through a union, you may be eligible for a disability retirement pension, as distinct from or in conjunction with disability insurance. Disability pensions provide monthly payments to workers who are not yet […]