Employee Retirement Income Security Act
Under this law, which is entitled the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the men and women of our labor force will have much more clearly defined rights to pension funds and greater assurances that retirement dollars will be there when they are needed.”
–President Gerald Ford, upon signing ERISA in September 1974
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) governs certain types of employee benefits, such as retirement plans, 401(k) plans, pension plans, and health insurance. ERISA establishes many parameters that employers and plans must follow that are designed to protect beneficiaries under those plans. Common violations of ERISA include:
- You are not receiving benefits because your employer misclassified you as an independent contractor or temporary worker.
- Your 401(k) plan has been negligently mismanaged or you have been charged fees beyond what you should have been charged.
- You have not been provided with information about your benefit plan after requesting the information in writing.
- An adverse action (such as termination, discipline) was taken against you because you attempted to exercise rights that you have with respect to your benefits plan.
- You were denied coverage for a procedure you believe should be covered.
- You were denied coverage for a medication your doctor recommended or prescribed.