EBSA also conducts investigations of criminal violations regarding employee benefit plans such as embezzlement, kickbacks, and false statements under Title 18 of the U.S. Criminal Code. Prosecution of these criminal violations is handled by U.S. Attorneys' offices, see Criminal Enforcement News Releases.
Common ERISA violations include denying benefits improperly, breaching fiduciary duties, and interfering with employee rights under the plan.
The Employee Benefits Security Administration is an agency within the Department of Labor that administers and enforces the provisions of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA established fiduciary and other standards for employee benefit plans sponsored by private-sector employers.
The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is responsible for administering and enforcing the fiduciary, reporting and disclosure provisions of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Until February 2003, EBSA was known as the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA).
Willful ERISA violations can even result in criminal prosecution. The maximum criminal penalties for ERISA violations include up to 10 years in jail and fines of up to $100,000. Companies charged with ERISA violations can face criminal fines of up to $500,000, in addition to any civil liability.
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) covers most voluntarily established private sector employee benefit plans. Private-sector employers are responsible for making sure their retirement plans comply with ERISA regulations.
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.
Filing an ERISA Claim: Step-by-Step Guide Step 1: Start with Solid Documentation. Step 2: Filing Your Claim and Submission Deadlines. Step 3: Appeals Process If Your Claim Is Denied. Step 4: Filing an ERISA Complaint in Federal Court.
In 2002, with the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, maximum criminal penalties for ERISA violations were increased dramatically. Under the Act, individuals may now be fined up to $100,000 and jailed for up to 10 years, and companies may face up to $500,000 in fines for ERISA violations.
Current Year Inflation Adjusted Penalty ERISA Penalty StatutePenalty Amount ERISA § 502(c)(10)(B)(i) $141 per day per failure during non-compliance period ERISA § 502(c)(10)(C)(i) $3,550 minimum ERISA § 502(c)(10)(C)(ii) $21,310 minimum ERISA § 502(c)(10)(D)(iii)(II) $710,310 maximum12 more rows