The two primary categories of retirement plans are ERISA and non-ERISA plans. ERISA stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which established standards to protect individuals enrolled in private industry retirement plans, while non-ERISA plans fall outside of these specific regulations.
Most private sector health plans are covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Among other things, ERISA provides protections for participants and beneficiaries in employee benefit plans (participant rights), including providing access to plan information.
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.
ERISA plan is not subject to the strict ERISA fiduciary standards regarding exclusive benefits, prudent care, and diversification, but it is subject to state law and other standards.
Check Your Plan Documents: Review your Summary Plan Description (SPD) or other documents. ERISA plans must provide an SPD that clearly states they are an ERISA plan. Look at Employer Contributions: If your employer contributes to the plan or matches your contributions, it's likely an ERISA 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 Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) covers two types of retirement plans: defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. A defined benefit plan promises a specified monthly benefit at retirement.
Check Your Plan Documents: Review your Summary Plan Description (SPD) or other documents. ERISA plans must provide an SPD that clearly states they are an ERISA plan. Look at Employer Contributions: If your employer contributes to the plan or matches your contributions, it's likely an ERISA plan.
Plans covered under ERISA are often referred to as qualified plans. 4 In order to qualify under ERISA, plan sponsors must meet a number of federal requirements regarding funding, vesting, participation, and the accrual of benefits. Plan sponsors must also give detailed reports to the government.