This category is about getting payments and benefits after retiring from a job or at the end of a career. This includes around eligibility for benefits, proper management of benefit plans under ERISA, vesting of benefits, managers of benefits, and other retirement and pension issues.
How Does an Employer's Bankruptcy Affect Employee Benefits?
If an employer declares bankruptcy, it will generally take one of two forms: reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, or liquidation under Chapter 7. A Chapter 11 (reorganization) usually means that the company continues in business under the court’s protection while attempting to reorganize its financial affairs. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy may or may not affect your retirement or health plan. In some cases, plans continue to exist throughout the reorganization process. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the company liquidates its assets to pay its creditors and ceases to exist. Therefore, it is likely your retirement and health plans will be terminated. When your employer files for bankruptcy you should contact the administrator of each plan or your union representative (if you are represented by a union) to request an explanation of the status of your plan or benefits.
Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) Forms
Information about the retirement system for state employees.
Pension and Health Care Coverage After Changing Jobs or Job Loss
What if your health care coverage ends because you lose your job, have your hours reduced, or get laid off? You may have rights to certain health and retirement benefit protections even if you lose your job.
Understanding COBRA Health Benefits
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) benefits employees and other beneficiaries of employment-related group health care plans.