When a couple divorces or separates, or one member seeks child or spousal support from the other, a court or state agency may divide a person's pension benefit or order payments from it by issuing a domestic relations order. When the order relates to a pension plan trusteed by PBGC, PBGC must review it to make sure it complies with ERISA, the federal pension law, and PBGC policies. If it does, PBGC qualifies the order, and it becomes a qualified domestic relations order, or QDRO. PBGC will pay benefits as the QDRO directs.
Does PBGC’s QDRO guidance apply to me?
If you or your spouse/former spouse have a defined benefit pension from a plan that PBGC manages, then select one of the following boxes to learn more. If you’re seeking QDRO information about a 401k or other defined contribution plan, we recommend consulting the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s QDRO information.