How Does The Department Of Labor Enforce ERISA?

The regulations of an employee benefit plan are enforced through the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA. The two agencies that share responsibility for enforcing ERISA are the IRS and the EBSA, also known as the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Active enforcement activities include investigations, lawsuits, and the dissemination of information. Documents published by EBSA include the Reporting and Disclosure Guide for Employee Benefit Plans.

Which Plans Are ERISA Governed?

Plans sponsored by private employers and unions (with the exception of governmental plans and church plans) are governed by ERISA.

Who Can Participate In An Employer’s Retirement Plan?

Participation in a pension plan is governed by the terms of the plan itself, subject to the minimum participation standards which appear in federal law.

When Can Participation Begin?

When participation begins is based on the terms of the plan, subject to Title II of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.

When Do You Start Accumulating Benefits?

Pension benefits accrue and vest based on the rules of the plan, subject to the minimum standards which appear in federal law.

How Soon Do You Have A Right To Your Benefits?

For pension benefits, you generally have a right to benefits at normal retirement age or earlier, if the plan permits it. For certain types of ERISA plans, if you take the benefits before age 59 and a half, the benefits you receive will be subject to a 10% penalty.

When Is The Latest You May Begin To Take Payment Of Your Benefits?

For pension benefits, you must begin to take your benefits at age 70, unless you’re still employed as of that date.

How Do You Make A Claim For Pension Benefits?

ERISA plans are required by law to have a claims procedure within their plan. Submitting your claim would be governed by the terms and those procedures.

What Are The Applicable Deadlines For Pursuing My ERISA Based Benefit Claims?

There are two general deadlines that an ERISA claimant must be mindful of. The first one is the statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a deadline for bringing your lawsuit. If the claimant misses the statute of limitations, his or her rights are forever lost. The second deadline is the internal plan-based deadlines for submitting claims and appeals. Frequently, these internal deadlines are required to be met before you can bring suit in federal court.

For more information on Enforcement Of ERISA By Dept. Of Labor, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (352) 577-7746 today.