Help topics
Login.gov
What is MyPBA?
My Pension Benefit Access (MyPBA) is a secure online service that allows you to perform various transactions with PBGC, such as viewing tax forms, updating contact information, and requesting benefit estimates. It is accessible 24/7.
What transactions can I complete in MyPBA?
In MyPBA, you can
- View 1099-R tax form
- Update contact information
- Request or update direct deposit
- Obtain a letter that verifies PBGC income
- Request a benefit estimate
- Apply for benefits
- View or designate beneficiary
- Set language preference
- View PBGC’s determination of your benefit (if eligible)
- View any lump sum payment you may be entitled to receive (without interest)
Are PBGC customers required to use MyPBA?
No, PBGC customers can always interact directly with us by calling PBGC’s Customer Contact Center to address any customer service requests.
What if I don’t have a state-issued ID card?
Only users with a U.S. state-issued ID can verify their identity through Login.gov. Login.gov accepts the following IDs:
- Driver’s license from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico)
- A non-driver state-issued ID card
If you don’t have a state-issued ID, you can request a MyPBA PIN by selecting the "Get Help at PBGC MyPBA" link during the Login.gov registration process. This will redirect you to a page where you can request a MyPBA PIN.
What if Login.gov can’t verify my information?
Occasionally, Login.gov is unable to verify a user’s information. If Login.gov cannot verify your identity, you may see a message stating, “We could not find records matching your personal information.” This can occur even after you upload a driver’s license, enter a Social Security number, or verify your address. If you encounter this issue, select the "Get Help at PBGC MyPBA" link to request a MyPBA PIN. PBGC cannot override or bypass the Login.gov verification steps.
This issue occurs because Login.gov uses real-time identity-proofing techniques to protect personal information and prevent fraud. The Login.gov verification process relies on available data from government databases, and some people will have conflicting or insufficient data to complete the identity-verification process.
Unfortunately, if you are unsuccessful in getting verified through Login.gov, PBGC won’t be able to help because Login.gov doesn’t tell us why users can’t be verified.
However, we are working hard to help customers without a U.S. state-issued ID get access to MyPBA. That’s why we have created another way to access MyPBA.
If you encounter any issues during the Login.gov registration process, please select the "Get Help at PBGC MyPBA" link to be redirected to an alternate page where you can request a MyPBA PIN.
What if I don’t have a U.S.-based phone number?
If you don't have a U.S.-based phone number, you can still complete the first step of the Login.gov registration process. You'll receive a security code via text message or automated phone call. After this step, Login.gov will ask you to complete the identity verification process. If you encounter any issues, select the "Get Help at PBGC MyPBA" link to request a MyPBA PIN.
Account access
How can I access my pension records?
My Pension Benefit Access (MyPBA) account users must create a Login.gov account to gain access to MyPBA. The Login.gov authentication security process is used to verify your identity and protect your personal information. Once you create your Login.gov account, it will take approximately 30 minutes for your new MyPBA account to be ready. When complete, you will be able to access your MyPBA account information. Your MyPBA password will not expire.
I successfully registered for a Login.gov account, but now I can’t get in to MyPBA.
When accessing your MyPBA account after the Login.gov verification process, remember to always use the blue MyPBA button on the https://www.pbgc.gov/MyPBA page, not the general Login.gov webpage.
After completing the Login.gov identity verification process, it can take up to 30 minutes for your MyPBA account to activate.
Can I view PBGC’s determination of my benefit (benefit determination letter) online?
It depends. If you were already receiving benefit payments from PBGC when you got your benefit determination letter (BDL) in the mail, you won’t be able to see it online.
However, PBGC customers may be able to view their BDL in MyPBA if:
- you have received your benefit determination letter in the mail, but
- you haven’t started receiving benefit payments.
Please note: A BDL is PBGC’s formal determination of your benefit entitlement. When you apply for your benefit, PBGC will tell you what types of annuities (e.g., benefit options) are available to you, and the amount you would receive in each form.
If you have a question about how your benefit was calculated, you can call PBGC’s Customer Contact Center for an explanation. You have the right to appeal this determination within 45 days of the date of the letter if you provide a specific reason that the determination is wrong.
Can I view my lump sum amount online?
If you are entitled to receive a lump sum payment, you will be able to view it in MyPBA if:
- you have received your benefit determination letter in the mail, but
- you haven’t started receiving benefit payments.
Please note that the lump sum amount in MyPBA will not include any interest you may be owed.
What if I share an email address?
To create a Login.gov account, you need an email address that is not already used on another Login.gov account. It can be a shared email if the person you share it with does not use it as their email for Login.gov. For example, if you and your spouse share an email account and both of you have plans with PBGC, you can’t both use the same email for your Login.gov account.
Technical help
Can I calculate my pension benefit online?
Yes, PBGC does provide an online pension benefit calculator in MyPBA. Sometimes, depending on the benefit, the online calculator may not perform the calculation. Instead, it will submit a request for a benefit estimate and your request will receive priority.
What if I don’t have access to a mobile phone to complete the registration process?
If you don’t have access to a mobile phone, you can attempt to create a Login.gov account and verify your identity using a desktop computer and a landline phone. However, uploading a photo of your driver’s license may be challenging on a desktop computer. For more information, read our MyPBA/Login.gov User Guide.
How do I clear my cache?
Clearing your browser's cache can help resolve issues during the Login.gov identity verification process. Please use the suggested actions on How to take photos to verify your identity to clear your cache.
What if I’m still having trouble with Login.gov and MyPBA?
If you encounter any issues during the registration process using Login.gov, please select the "Get Help at PBGC MyPBA" link. You may also want to download our MyPBA/Login.gov User Guide. We will do our best to help you.
PBGC cannot override or bypass the Login.gov verification steps.
To help us serve you more efficiently, please have the following information available if you call:
- Your PBGC Customer ID or your full Social Security number.
- Your pension plan's name or number, which can be found in the upper right corner of correspondence from PBGC.