Disclosures & Rights to Information

Disclosures & Rights to Information

What retirement plan information do you have a right to receive?

Federal law requires private retirement plans to give certain information to all plan members so they can learn about the rules of their retirement plan, the benefits they have earned, and their rights and obligations under their plans. Documents and notices that include this information are called disclosures. Disclosures must be written in a manner easily understood by an average participant. Disclosures must be delivered in a timely manner and by a method that ensures actual receipt.

It is important to keep plan disclosures for your records in case you later need them to understand your benefits or to prove your right to retirement benefits. It is also important to review disclosures when you receive them to be sure that the plan administrator has your correct information, such as your address.

What kinds of information do plan disclosures contain?
What plans must provide disclosures?
When will I receive disclosures from my retirement plan?
Why are disclosures important?
There is a lot of controversy about disclosures. 

Disclosures & Rights to Information Highlights:

Fact Sheets and Issue Papers
07/21/20

Disclosures you may receive from your retirement plan

Fact Sheets and Issue Papers
07/24/20

The Labor Department’s Notice-and-Access Disclosure Rule: The Basics

Fact Sheets and Issue Papers
07/24/20

The Top 10 Worst Things about the Department of Labor’s New “Notice-and-Access” Rule for Retirement Plans

The Latest on Disclosures & Rights to Information:

Blogs & Newsletters
06/02/23

When Swimming in 401(k) Asset Transfer Water: Beware of Sharks

By David Brandolph I expect a 401(k)-type plan customer service call center to be a place to get impartial information about the plan and one’s account. But a recent experience with a center representative has made me question the impartiality of anyone—including such a representative–who recommends transferring plan assets to an IRA, particularly if that […]

Comments & Letters
05/15/23

Senior Policy Consultant Norman Stein Testifies Before the IRS

PRC’s Senior Policy Consultant Norman Stein testified before the IRS and the Department of the Treasury on April 11th, urging them to take measures to protect spousal retirement rights. Read his testimony here:

Blogs & Newsletters
01/18/23

PRC applauds passage of priority consumer protections in new retirement law

By Karen Friedman The Pension Rights Center (PRC) applauds the recent inclusion of several key consumer provisions in the Setting Every Community up for Retirement Enhancement Act (better known as SECURE 2.0), a retirement legislative package that was passed as part of the Omnibus spending legislation, which President Biden signed into law on December 29th.  […]

Comments & Letters
08/11/22

PRC Recommendations to IRS on Agenda Items for the 2022-2023 IRS Priority Guidance Plan

The  Pension Rights Center submitted comments to  the  IRS requesting the  agency  to include in  its Priority Guidance Plan several items to  better  protect consumers,  including: (a)  directing  plans to provide  former employees  who leave before retirement  with  a single  complete  statement  of  their earned benefits ; (b) asking the agency to rethink its position on allowing plans […]

Blogs & Newsletters
10/15/21

Watch Out for 401(k) Fees

By Jane Smith The Pension Rights Center has long warned consumers to be aware of the fees charged by 401(k) plans. That message was reinforced by syndicated columnist Michelle Singletary in her article “Your 401(k) is pocketing fees on your investment. Many people don’t realize it.” Singletary told her readers “It’s important that you understand that the […]

PRC In the News
07/02/21|SHRM

IRS Again Extends Remote Witnessing for Retirement Plan Changes

The IRS has extended through June 30, 2022, remote notarization relief that gives retirement plans greater flexibility for participant elections that require a witness, such as 401(k) loan applications and spousal consent to changes in the distribution of survivor’s pension benefits.

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