ERISA governs the claim only if ERISA covers the plan involved in the claim. ERISA applies to most employee benefit plans, including employee health and retirement plans. ERISA does not cover certain plans, such as government plans and church plans.
Accounts Covered by ERISA Common types of employer-sponsored retirement accounts that fall under ERISA include 401(k) plans, pensions, deferred-compensation plans, and profit-sharing plans. ERISA does not cover retirement plans set up and administered by government entities and churches, such as many 403(b) plans.
Basic ERISA compliance requires employers provide notice to participants about plan information, their rights under the plan, and how the plan is funded. This includes ensuring plans comply with ERISA's minimum standards, recordkeeping, annual filing and reporting, and fiduciary compliance.
The plan number is a three-digit number that is assigned to the plan by the plan administrator or plan sponsor. This three-digit plan number, in conjunction with the employer's nine-digit employer identification number (or EIN), creates a unique 12-digit number that is used by the DOL to identify the plan.
Contact your regional EBSA office to file a complaint or an appeal after exhausting your insurance appeals process. You can also find ERISA information through the U.S. Department of Labor online at .dol/ebsa.
Filing an ERISA Claim: Step-by-Step Guide Step 1: Review Your Plan. The first step in filing an ERISA claim is to review your disability insurance policy thoroughly. Step 2: Gather Evidence. Step 3: File Your Claim. Step 4: Wait for a Decision. Step 5: Appeal if Necessary.
Filing an ERISA Claim: Step-by-Step Guide Step 1: Review Your Plan. The first step in filing an ERISA claim is to review your disability insurance policy thoroughly. Step 2: Gather Evidence. Step 3: File Your Claim. Step 4: Wait for a Decision. Step 5: Appeal if Necessary.
Common ERISA violations include denying benefits improperly, breaching fiduciary duties, and interfering with employee rights under the plan.
In general, ERISA does not cover plans established or maintained by governmental entities, churches for their employees, or plans which are maintained solely to comply with applicable workers compensation, unemployment or disability laws.
The State of Texas Retirement program is a defined benefit retirement plan (also known as a pension) for eligible employees of State of Texas agencies, with mandatory participation.