Practical article
Understanding ERISA: Your Guide to Private Retirement and Health Plans
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a piece of federal legislation that is intended to protect enrollees in most private retirement and health plans. Under ERISA, plan administrators must notify you of any significant changes and inform you on how to file a claim. In many instances, participants in a pension plan have to meet certain standards in order to receive unconditional entitlement to their benefits. ERISA requires plan administrators to make participants aware of these standards. If you have questions about your benefits under ERISA, please review the information below and contact a long-term disability attorney for guidance.
Key takeaway
Where to start
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a piece of federal legislation that is intended to protect enrollees in most private retirement ...
Purpose and benefits
ERISA sets guidelines by which employers may provide pensions and other benefits to employees. However, it doesn’t require private employers to provide employees with pensions or benefits. In addition, ERISA doesn’t apply to certain types of benefits, including the following:
- Unemployment benefits
- Workers compensation
- Plans for church employees
- Plans provided by governmental entities
Access considerations
Although ERISA applies to retirement benefits, it also addresses employees’ access to health and disability benefits. For example, ERISA applies to certain issues regarding maternity coverage for new mothers, health benefits for workers who leave their jobs and benefit determinations for many employer-sponsored disability plans. In other words, ERISA is complicated. Therefore, you should contact an experienced attorney if you have questions about ERISA or your benefits.
Has your long-term disability claim been denied?
If you’ve recently experienced a claim denial or other issue involving ERISA, then you should seek immediate legal assistance. If you wait too long, you may lose the benefits you’re entitled to. Therefore, following a denial, it is imperative that you hire an experienced lawyer who thoroughly understands ERISA and its many nuances. Regardless of your issue, you’ll need assistance filling out your claim and appeal forms to ensure that you are given the best possible chance at receiving the money that you are entitled to collect. ERISA issues can be complicated, and attempting to navigate the process alone is often a big mistake. We understand that struggling to receive disability payments to which you are entitled can be frustrating and emotionally draining and we will diligently work to help you through each step of the process.
Don’t go at it alone! Contact our long-term disability benefits attorney today!
If you have suffered an ERISA disability claim denial, you need an experienced long-term disability attorney on your side. Stansberry Kinsley handles long-term disability claims and appeals.
In addition, once you begin receiving your long-term disability benefits, our talented legal professionals will provide you with ongoing advice and counsel to ensure that you are protected. At Stansberry Kinsley, we handle each case on an individual basis, as we understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. Regardless of your individual circumstances, we are prepared to fight for you. Please contact our experienced attorney as soon as possible to set up a free consultation.
Related practice pages: Long-Term Disability · Short-Term Disability · Denied or Ended Benefits · Disability Insurance FAQs.
Sources
Reviewed by Amanda Stansberry on March 2, 2023.
Common questions
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