Counseling Project Success Stories

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The stories featured on this page showcase individuals who have been helped by the staff of Pension Counseling and Information Projects. These stories highlight common problems that millions of Americans face, ranging from the very simple to the very complex. The expertise of counseling project staff has enabled the people featured in these stories to obtain the pensions that they have rightfully earned.

For privacy reasons, many of the names and identifying information about the individuals featured in these stories have been changed.

90-Year-Old Widow Receives Reduction in Recoupment

Betty contacted the Western States Pension Assistance Project (WSPAP) after receiving an overpayment letter in the mail.

Pension Payment Pop-Up Provided After WSPAP Advocacy

Todd, an older adult who lives in San Francisco, called the Western States Pension Assistance Project (WSPAP) for help with his pension.

Western States Negotiates Life Changing Settlement

Before reaching the normal retirement age of 65, Mary was informed that she was not eligible for her pension. She knew she should have a benefit due, but the only lingering proof were the routine recent statements and screenshots from the plan itself. 

Western States Reduces Retiree’s Repayments

Joe, a 76-year-old retiree, worked for his employer for over 18 years and had been retired for 15 years when he received a letter notifying him of an overpayment from his pension plan. The letter indicated that Joe owed the plan over $87,000. 

PAC Helps Man Receive Benefits After Merger

PAC helped a communications worker track down his plan and receive his benefits.

Widow Receives Full Survivor Benefits Thanks to PAC

Elaine contacted the Pension Action Center (PAC) for help in securing a survivor benefit. PAC guided her through the process to receive her full benefits.

Trellis Ensures Full Share of Retirement Benefits for Survivor of Domestic Violence 

Mary, a survivor of intimate partner violence, reached out to Trellis and the Retirement Rights Project for help dividing her ex-husband’s retirement benefits.  

Mid-Atlantic Pension Counseling Project Jumps Hurdles to Get Widow Survivor’s Benefits

Sylvia turned to Mid-Atlantic for help in getting survivor's benefits after her husband passed away.

From Zero to Two Pensions – With Help From the New England Pension Assistance Project

David Howell of Connecticut had worked in many different jobs for Stop & Shop from 1964 until 1991.

South Central Pension Rights Project helps widow claim survivor benefit from Monsanto

Naomi Francisco’s husband worked as an engineer for Monsanto for 35 years and began receiving his pension in 1985.

Mid-America Pension Rights Project works with Department of Labor to overturn wrongful benefit denial

Like many people approaching retirement, when Margaret turned 65 she contacted her former employer to apply for the pension she had earned during her career.

Upper Midwest Pension Rights Project helps widow avoid recoupment for overpayment

Pension plans can often make mistakes when calculating pension benefits.

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