General Retirement Plan Information

Polling Data on America's Retirement Crisis

Type: Publication

The Retirement Crisis is a Top Concern for Americans

A wide range of polls shows that the retirement crisis is all too real. Americans are experiencing the crisis firsthand, yet policymakers and opinion leaders are paying scant attention to the problem.

More...

Why People Need Pensions

Type: Publication

Millions of Americans are heading toward an inadequately funded retirement. Without adequate income, older adults will lack the resources that enable them to live independently, afford health care, and continue to contribute to society. While Social Security has kept the majority of older adults from sinking into destitution, far too many retirees are having trouble making ends meet.

More...

Retirement Plan Contribution and Benefit Limits

Type: Publication

This chart lists the maximum amounts individuals are permitted to contribute to their retirement plans each year.

More...

Pension Challenges and Opportunities

Type: Publication

The nation’s $10 trillion pension system is facing formidable new challenges.

More...

Tips for Keeping Track of Your Pension

Type: Publication

Each year the Pension Rights Center gets calls and e-mails from retirees asking for help. Many are seeking a pension plan that was “lost” because their former company moved or merged. We also hear from workers who need help proving that they worked long enough to qualify for benefits.

More...

Phased Retirement

Type: Publication

What is phased retirement?

More...

Your Employer's Bankruptcy - How Will It Affect Your Employee Benefits?

Type: Publication

More...

What You Should Know About Your Retirement Plan

Type: Publication

More...

Retirement Programs Comparison Chart

Type: Publication

More...

List of Advantages and Disadvantages for DB and DC Plans

Type: Publication

More...

How much can I contribute to my retirement plan?

Spotlight

Wondering how much you can contribute to your retirement plan this year? Read our helpful fact sheet to find out. The fact sheet also includes contribution limits for previous years. Read the fact sheet.

Get E-mail Updates

From Our Blog

Can we call it a comeback...for DB plans?

I hope so. According to a newly-released Towers Watson survey, it looks like defined benefit pension plans are making a comeback – especially among younger workers.

More...

In the News

Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract Rules Should Allow More Options, Commenters Say

A Treasury Department proposal to expand retirement income options is on the right track, but it requires some revisions to achieve the objectives
outlined in the proposed regulation (REG-115809-11), a variety of interest groups said in public comment letters posted May 4.

More...

Did You Know?

An annuity is a pension benefit that is paid out in a specific amount over a set period of time. Annuities typically last for the lifetime of the participant, or the lives of both the participant and his or her spouse, depending on the type of annuity selected. Joint-and-Survivor and Single-Life are types of annuities.