Expert: Allen - 3/13/2004

Question
Allen,  I have been in retail for over 30 years.  I was part of Federated for 16 years, Woodward Lathrop , a Washington DC retailer Federaed bought in 95'for 1 year and Macy's (a company they bought in 95'  for 6 years.  I worked for these company's in that order.  Although I only worked for the parent company , Federated for 16 years, can't I make a case for "continuity of employment" and claim 23 years of service for pension amount reasons or is that solely up to Federated to make that judgement.  P.S. 5 years ago they told me "no" and I just let it go then.   Thank you for your help.  Lance  

Answer
At the time you participated in the plan you should have been given a document known as a Summary Plan Description (or SPD). This document may explain the rules for crediting service for benefit purposes. Whether it did or it didn't, it would also have provided an appeal process. You muust follow that process. If you can't locate your copy of the SPD, aski Federated for a copy. If you have exhausted the appeal process and have not received a satisfactory answer or explanation, you would have two alternatives. You can contact either the local office of the Employee Benefits Security Adminstration (EBSA) of the Dept. of Labor or an attorney who is knowledgeable about pensions for help.  Good luck.