Archives: Resources
Facts About Multiemployer Pension Plan Funding
This fact sheet explains funding issues in multiemployer pension plans and how the guarantee limits set by the Pension Benefity Guaranty Corporation could impact your multiemployer plan pension. Related: Read our summary of the pension cutback provisions (part of the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014) that were included in the 2014 Omnibus spending law. See a list of […]
The facts about church pension plans
Almost all private retirement plans are required to comply with federal pension and tax laws. There is only one major exception: Church pension plans. Employees covered by church pension plans are denied the basic protections provided to virtually all other private-sector workers who participate in pension plans. Church plans: Do not have to give employees […]
Bill would regulate pension advance schemes marketed to federal and military retirees
On October 23, 2013, Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA) introduced H.R. 3310, the Annuity Safety and Security Under Reasonable Enforcement Act of 2013 (ASSURE Act). The bill would regulate pension advance loans and any pension-related product offered to military and federal retirees that limit the retiree’s ability to control payments from his or her own pension. […]
Spokeo v. Robins
The Pension Rights Center filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the plaintiff (respondent) in Spokeo v. Robins.
“NAFI” Plans: Federal Retirement Programs Not Funded by the Government
This fact sheet provides an overview of retirement plans that are sponsored by government entities that do not receive funding from Congress. What are Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality Retirement Plans? NAFI Retirement Plans are retirement plans sponsored by government entities known as Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities (NAFIs). NAFIs are part of the federal government but they do […]
Connecticut Secure Retirement Plan
On May 7, 2014, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a “budget implementer” bill that includes provisions to lay the groundwork for a new state-administered retirement savings plan for private-sector workers who do not have an employer-provided pension or retirement savings plan. The bill allocates $400,000 toward the establishment of a Connecticut Retirement Security Board and […]
State Plans and Survivor Rights Information
Alabama Retirement Systems of Alabama What is required on benefit election forms? Spousal consent not required. Notes: Default option provides no survivor benefit. Source: AL State Code: §36.27.16 AL Administrative Code: 800-2-1-03 Alaska Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits What is required on benefit election forms? Spousal consent required Notes: Survivor benefit provided by default. […]
State Retirement System Rules on “Spousal Consent”
Does your husband or wife work in a job covered by a state retirement system? If so, it is important for you to know if you have a say in whether you will receive a pension if you outlive your spouse. In private-sector pension plans, husbands and wives who outlive their spouses automatically receive a […]
The United Kingdom’s New Retirement Savings Program
On October 1, 2012, the United Kingdom launched a new retirement savings program. The new program has two parts. First, all employers will be required to offer retirement plans meeting minimum requirements for their employees and to contribute to those plans. Second, all employers who do not sponsor pension or retirement savings plans meeting specified […]
Proposed IRS regulations that could undermine workers’ legal rights without public input (September 24, 2012)
The Pension Rights Center submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service, objecting to a proposed delegation of authority to the IRS Commissioner to issue certain rules without public notice and comment. The Center expressed concern that such a broad delegation could result in the loss of important statutory rights without input by participants and cited […]
Pension Provisions in H.R. 4348 – Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act
H.R. 4348, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act, was signed into law on July 6, 2012. Although the Act is primarily known for authorizing funding for the nation’s highways and for extending low interest rates for federal student loans, it also includes a package of pension provisions, which were largely […]
Polling Data on America’s Retirement Crisis
The Retirement Crisis is a Top Concern for Americans A wide range of polls shows that the retirement crisis is all too real. Americans are experiencing the crisis firsthand, yet policymakers and opinion leaders are paying scant attention to the problem. Below are the results from recent polls that show the depth of national anxiety […]
