Legal Question in Employment Law in Maryland
Time frame for employer to pay Profit Sharing money to a terminated employee
My wife was terminated from her employment January 28, 2003. She has vested profit-sharing money which as of this date, she has yet to receive. Her former employer sent her forms about a month and a half ago, in which she elected to receive direct payment with 20% deducted for taxes. My question is this: Is there any time frame in which this money is to be paid? I have heard that in Maryland, such payments must be made within 60 days after termination of employment.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Time frame for employer to pay Profit Sharing money to a terminated employee
Below is the language that Joe is referring to (29 USC sec. 1056). As he says, though, this law (ERISA) is complicated. You can call an attorney for more info. or try the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), formerly called the PWBA, a branch of the US Department of Labor which regulates pension matters. Their website is http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/welcome.html.
TITLE 29 - LABOR
CHAPTER 18 - EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY PROGRAM
SUBCHAPTER I - PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS
Subtitle B - Regulatory Provisions
part 2 - participation and vesting
-HEAD-
Sec. 1056. Form and payment of benefits
-STATUTE-
(a) Commencement date for payment of benefits
Each pension plan shall provide that unless the participant
otherwise elects, the payment of benefits under the plan to the
participant shall begin not later than the 60th day after the
latest of the close of the plan year in which -
(1) occurs the date on which the participant attains the
earlier of age 65 or the normal retirement age specified under
the plan,
(2) occurs the 10th anniversary of the year in which the
participant commenced participation in the plan, or
(3) the participant terminates his service with the employer.
In the case of a plan which provides for the payment of an early
retirement benefit, such plan shall provide that a participant who
satisfied the service requirements for such early retirement
benefit, but separate from the service (with any nonforfeitable
right to an accrued benefit) before satisfying the age requirement
for such early retirement benefit, is entitled upon satisfaction of
such age requirement to receive a benefit not less than the benefit
to which he would be entitled at the normal retirement age,
actuarially reduced under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury.
Good luck.
Jeff Sheldon
Jeffrey L. Sheldon, Esquire
The Sheldon Law Firm
6932 Mayfair Road
Laurel, MD 20707
301.604.2497
fax: 301.776.3954
http://www.SheldonLawFirm.com
Disclaimer: This posting does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not confidential, nor is it privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with an attorney for advice specific to the facts of your case.
Re: Time frame for employer to pay Profit Sharing money to a terminated employee
A 60 day limitation period is operative and elective under US Code 1056. This statute is complex and difficult to understand. I recently resolved two similar matters for other clients. Contact me if you need assistance. G. Joseph Holthaus III (410) 619-5918 or (410) 799-9002.