Know Your Rights as a Retiree Before You Retire

We all make mistakes — and somehow employers and companies make mistakes in their own favor. Employers make mistakes in what they pay in pension and retirement benefits. Do not let that happen to you.

You would never buy a house without having an inspection done. Just like your home, your retirement benefits are part of your long-term financial future. Make sure you receive what you are due. Do not assume that your pension benefit calculations are correct or that what your employer says you are entitled to receive is correct.

Under ERISA, your pension benefits must vest after certain periods of employment. If you left the company and later returned, you might be entitled to credit for the initial period, even if your absence was for many years. If offsets for Social Security or other income affect your benefits, be sure the calculation is correct. When companies merge, there may be errors, plan amendments or misunderstandings about what you have been promised and are entitled to receive

Know your rights before you retire: you have a right to review retirement plan documents and to have them reviewed by an attorney. You owe it to yourself to ensure you are treated fairly and that you receive all benefits to which you are entitled.

If you think your rights as an employee or retiree may have been violated, you should consult with an attorney who concentrates in the practice of law in the fields of labor, employment and ERISA benefits. Our practice includes fully documenting your claim, filling out the necessary forms, and pursuing appeals with the Plan Administrator when necessary. Know your rights before you file an appeal with the plan. Many times, the failure to consult an attorney before appealing to the plan will limit your chances for success if you later decide to pursue your claim in court. It is most important to know that if you need to take your case to court, you may be limited in your evidence to what you have earlier presented in your appeal to the plan administrator.

A Law Firm With the Experience You Need

At Martin & Bonnett PLLC, our lawyers are experienced, knowledgeable and successful. We are one of the preeminent employee rights law firms in Phoenix, Arizona and throughout the country. Our lawyers litigate high-profile cases against large corporations and governmental agencies. We have successfully handled cases against some of the largest employers in the country. We are experienced, proactive attorneys who are strong and effective advocates on behalf of our clients. We know the law and are innovative in developing and implementing legal strategies for success.

See our notable case results and FAQ.

Contact an ERISA Benefits Lawyer

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced employment, labor or ERISA benefits lawyer, please call (602)240-6900 or toll free 1-800-952-4750. You can also contact us online.