Benefits Forward

Application of statutory exemption for use of bank deposits by trustee.

In a decision important to the administration of plans, the Supreme Court ruled that plans may look to the beneficiary designation forms on file to determine the proper beneficiary and need not go beyond that to ancillary documents including a divorce decree.

Bulletin from Reish Luftman Reicher & Cohen discussing impact of new Administration’s halt to the issuance of regulations on DOL pending regulations.

The Winter Edition of Employee Plans News includes an interview with Joyce Kahn, Manager of Voluntary Compliance on compliance through the Self Correction Program of the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System.

DOL issues final regulations on the issuance of participant investment advice by fiduciary advisers.

The PBGC announces the interest rate to be used in calculating lump sums, both immediate, for the month of February, 2009, and deferred.

The Treasury has issued additional executive compensation requirements applicable to companies participating in the Troubled Assets Relief Program. The interim rules are designed to address certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

The DOL makes available a new booklet, prepared in collaboration with the IRS, and designed to assist small employers in establishing and maintining an automatic enrollment Section 401(k) plan.

Amendment to FASB statement No. 132 regarding disclosure of employer’s post-retirement obligations.

The CMS issues proposed rule changing the interpretation of statutory language that would effect the Retiree Drug Subsidy Program.