Expert: Allen - 8/1/2008

Question
My father worked for Interstate Bakeries for 17 years, from 1953 through 1969.  However, is has been told that he is not eligible for any retirement benefits.  I would like to find out if there are payments that he should be receiving, as he is struggling financial, his wife has alzheimers and treatment is getting expensive.

Answer
They may be correct.  Before ERISA was passed in 1974, companies could require long periods of service.

Ask the company (or its successor) if they can show you why he wasn't eligible, If it was a union plan, you may be able to check with the union.