Taking Care of Mom and Dad: Lost and Found

Once you and your parents find their pension fund, your next step should be to write to the plan administrator or insurance company with as much information as you've gathered (i.e., the dates of employment, a copy of the most recent individual benefit statement, etc.). Ask if your parents were covered and what benefits they are entitled to. You'll want a copy of the summary plan description to make sure that your parents qualify. If there's a disagreement over benefits, you'll need to get your paperwork in gear and be ready to fight.

The PWBA should be your first contact, then try a pension counseling project in your or your parents' area. A PWBA benefit advisor or a pension counselor will be able to examine the records and advise you on your case. If there's ample evidence that your parents are entitled to benefits, and they aren't getting them, then you'll most likely get some free assistance. The PWBA may intervene and negotiate a settlement with the plan administrator or insurance company.

A final option is, of course, the legal one. If you and your parents feel the need to hire an attorney, the National Pension Lawyers Network maintains a list of attorneys that handle pension claims. (You can call this group at 617.287.7332.)

Opting for legal action over a pension claim can be costly. It's advisable to ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs of such an action. The American Academy of Actuaries has a pension help registry of actuaries willing to volunteer to help people check their pension calculations. You can reach this group at 1720 Eye St., NW, 7th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20006.

One last source for information: The Pension Rights Center, 1140 19th St., NW, Suite 602, Washington, D.C., 20036; 202.296.3776.