Office Director #block-googletagmanagerfooter .field { padding-bottom:0 !important; } EBSA believes these results demonstrate a strong, fair, and effective program that protects the benefits of America's workers, retirees, and their families. While we cannot ensure that every complaint will result in an investigation, at the conclusion of enforcement activity, if requested, we will furnish an understandable explanation of the outcome of our review and investigation. Read more about what we do. Assistant Secretary The primary responsibilities of the Division of Class Exemptions include analyzing applications for class exemptions, and major individual exemptions related thereto, preparing Federal Register notices, reviewing petitions for good faith waivers of section 502(l) penalties, drafting advisory opinions and information letters regarding class exemptions, and handling special projects. William Barron - Acting How do I protect my health and retirement benefits? Advisors may work with plans on voluntary compliance related to a specific incident, whereas investigators review the overall plan design and work with the fiduciaries and administrators on broader plan compliance issues. If you do not want us to contact your employer, union, or plan service provider without speaking to you first, please indicate that in your message to us. This fact sheet has been developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Washington, DC, 20220. In addition to the $83.9 million in distributions from voluntary applications by Qualified Termination Administrators, EBSA also obtained $5.9 million in distributions for participants through enforcement efforts relating to abandoned plans. Individualized participant assistance is offered by Benefits Advisors in our national and field offices. In FY 2022, EBSA referred 55 cases for litigation. Seattle, WA 98104 Yes; No; A plan may not impose an annual dollar limit on mental health/substance use disorder benefits that is lower than the annual dollar limit imposed on medical/surgical benefits. 401(k) Plans For Small Businesses | U.S. Department of Labor We also are here to provide you with information and answer your questions about complying with the federal laws that cover private sector employee benefit plans. Norman Jackson - Acting You may contact us electronically at www.askebsa.dol.gov. Find information regarding health and retirement benefits following a change in job status. .dol-alert-status-error .alert-status-container {display:inline;font-size:1.4em;color:#e31c3d;} In FY 2022, EBSA closed 164 criminal investigations. We will be sensitive to your situation but may not always be able to provide you with a solution. The Office oversees regional operations and ensures the execution of Regional Office enforcement, outreach, education and assistance programs with respect to the requirements of ERISA relating to fiduciary standards, prohibited transactions, reporting and disclosure, bonding, requirements for group health plans, and prohibitions against office holdings, as well as the undertaking of criminal investigations. 200 Constitution Ave NW Plantation, FL 33324 Lisa earned her law degree from the Fordham University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Hofstra University. Mr. Hauser graduated from Harvard Law School in 1985. He is also a graduate of the University of Illinois. Melanie Muoz Acting Chief The Division of Field Operations and Support coordinates national compliance projects and targeting efforts, conducts program and project evaluation, and provides administrative assistance to EBSA field offices. Find easy-to-understand answers to common questions health care, retirement, and other employee benefit plans. .h1 {font-family:'Merriweather';font-weight:700;} San Francisco, CA 94103 Fax: 202-219-6531, Deputy Office Director Suite 2160 Employee Benefits Security Administration "EBSA" Benefits Advisors EBSA | U.S. Department of Labor - DOL Washington, DC 20210 Pensions and retirement savings - Employer.gov [CDATA[/* >elaws - Small Business Retirement Savings Advisor - DOL header #header-content .agency-submenu.cd-primary-nav > li a { display: flex; } Those who file complaints with us can expect a prompt and courteous response from our staff. Although EBSA can assist you in understanding these rights and in attempting to informally resolve problems, it is important to review your plan documents and follow procedures for making requests and filing claims and appeals timely. .ebsa-content .topic-body p { padding: 0 } Employee Benefits Security Administration