Protect Pension Benefits

The best way to protect your pension benefits if you are planning to retire in the reasonably near future is to make sure that all of your pension documents are accurate months before you retire. Keep a file of start date, pay stubs, and documents outlining changes to your company's plan, plus your individual pension statements.

Get a copy of your program's summary plan description (SPD), which outlines such important issues as calculations of pension benefits, what benefits are included in the plan, and eligibility requirements. Every year, be sure you get a copy of your pension plan's annual report.