If your defined benefit pension plan ends without sufficient money to pay all benefits, PBGC’s insurance program will pay you the benefit provided by your pension plan up to the limits set by law. Learn more about the benefits PBGC guarantees.
Guaranteed benefits
Find out more about the pension benefits PBGC pays.
When and how PBGC pays benefits
Learn about benefit options and PBGC's payment schedule, including the required start date for receiving benefits.
Survivor benefits and beneficiaries
PBGC makes three distinct types of payments to beneficiaries. See how to designate a beneficiary.
Survivor benefits for spouses (QPSA)
If you’re the spouse of a deceased participant in a pension plan, you may be entitled to receive guaranteed survivor payments, even if your spouse passed away before starting retirement payments.
Appealing formal determinations
If you can provide a specific reason why PBGC’s formal determination of your benefit is wrong, you may appeal the PBGC determination within 45 days.
Disability benefits
Learn about PBGC's guarantees and eligibility requirements.
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders and PBGC (QDRO)
See information about divorce orders and other court actions.
