If you are trying to find unclaimed retirement benefits, three key documents can help:
A Deferred Vested Retirement Benefit letter confirms you earned a future pension from a defined benefit plan and typically includes the plan name and contact info. Look for monthly benefit language, that indicates a PBGC-insured plan.
A notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Form SSA-L99-C1, lists retirement plans you may have earned from past employers. While helpful for tracking down contacts, it does not guarantee you are still owed a benefit. If the notice refers to a defined benefit plan (noted by payment type) PBGC may be involved. Otherwise, contact the Department of Labor’s EBSA.
If you haven’t received a Form SSA-L99-C1 but believe you are due benefits from an employer sponsored plan, PBGC requires you to send a completed Form SSA-795 to SSA for SSA to research your entitlement to a benefit. If you send the SSA-795 form to PBGC, your search for a possible benefit will be delayed. PBGC can not process the request with SSA on your behalf, and PBGC will request you send the completed form to SSA at the following address.
Division of Earnings and Business Services (DEBS)
Attention: ERISA Correspondence Group
P.O. Box 33007
Baltimore, MD 21290 3307
If you receive a Form SSA-L99-C1 from SSA, email the document to CustomerService@pbgc.gov.
Not a guarantee
Receiving an SSA-L99-C1 form is not a guarantee that you are still due a retirement benefit. Many participants receive a benefit as a lump sum after they have terminated employment. See the U.S. Department of Labor’s FAQs on SSA-L99 notice. Once PBGC receives your SSA-L99-C1 form, PBGC will research prior plan administrator provided files to determine your entitlement to a benefit.