ERISA can cover both defined-benefit plans and defined-contribution plans. Common types of employer-sponsored retirement accounts that fall under ERISA include 401(k) plans, pensions, deferred-compensation plans, and profit-sharing plans.
The National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits is a good place to start. By entering your Social Security number, you can quickly see if there are any unclaimed 401(k) funds that belong to you.
Box 13 on the Form W-2 PDF you receive from your employer should contain a check in the “Retirement plan” box if you are covered. If you are still not certain, check with your (or your spouse's) employer. The limits on the amount you can deduct don't affect the amount you can contribute.
The formal plan name, plan number and plan year must also be included in the employee welfare benefit plan's Summary Plan Description (SPD). Each employee welfare benefit plan must have a primary name. If a plan has a secondary name that it is often referenced by, that information must also be included in the SPD.
Sign in to your my Social Security account to check your application status. Already have a my Social Security Account? Sign in to your account, scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section and select “View Details” to see your application status.
How to find your 401(k) from past jobs Contact previous employers. It may seem obvious, but one of the quickest ways to track down an old 401(k) plan is to go directly to the source. Review past W-2 tax forms. Check your mail. Search the National Registry. Search Form 5500 Directory. State unclaimed property.
Box 13 on the Form W-2 PDF you receive from your employer should contain a check in the “Retirement plan” box if you are covered. If you are still not certain, check with your (or your spouse's) employer.
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.
ERISA plan is not subject to annual 5500 reporting. ERISA plan with over 100 participants does not require an annual audit. ERISA plan is not subject to the strict ERISA fiduciary standards, but it is subject to state law and other standards.