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What Is an ERISA Plan?

January 15, 2022

DL Law Group

ERISA stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. It is a piece of federal legislation that governs employer-provided benefit plans. It sets up minimum standards that employers must adhere to when they offer their employees benefits. These standards include:


  • Informing employees of their benefits packages
  • Requiring that insurance providers and administrators follow strict policies for managing employee benefits
  • Employees may receive legal recourse through federal court

What Is an ERISA Plan?

Not all benefits plans that employees purchase will be subject to ERISA. ERISA exclusively covers benefits plans purchased through private employers. It is important to note that the term ‘private employer’ includes non-profit organizations and charities. Government employees and employees of religious institutions are not covered by ERISA, however.

Which Plans Are Subject to ERISA?

ERISA applies to two major types of plans. ERISA covers traditional pension plans. ERISA also covers plans considered to be “welfare benefits.” This type of plan includes benefits like the following:


  • Short-term disability insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Vacation benefits
  • Severance benefits

Which Plans Are Not Subject to ERISA?

Some benefits like worker’s compensation or state-mandated disability plans are not protected by ERISA. The following list includes more benefits an employer may offer which are not covered by ERISA:


  • Tuition-reimbursement
  • Cafeteria plans
  • Payroll practice plans
  • Safe Harbor plans
  • Adoption assistance
  • Tax-deferred compensation plans
  • Bonus plans

How Does ERISA Help Me?

If your benefit plan is subject to ERISA, you have extra protections if your initial claim gets denied. ERISA allows you 180 days to file a denied claim appeal. However, this appeal will go to federal court where it will have to obey specific processes.


You will want to consult with an experienced ERISA attorney before beginning this process. This is because you will not be able to submit new evidence or documentation if your case goes to court. Additionally, a federal judge, not a jury, will make the final ruling. It is important that your appeal is comprehensive and complete before filing.

Contact a San Francisco ERISA Attorney From Our Firm to Learn More

The goal of ERISA is to protect employee benefits from mismanagement. Even so, filing and winning a claim can be difficult. This is because the law tends to favor insurance companies. They are usually able to deny claims with no repercussions.


Further, since ERISA is a federal law, ERISA claims are subject to specific procedures. Filing a claim, introducing evidence, and negotiating are best done by an experienced ERISA attorney.


Our San Francisco ERISA attorneys have extensive experience fighting for ERISA-protected workers’ benefits. For those struggling to secure their benefits, we encourage you to contact us today. We offer free consultations which you can schedule here or by phone at (888) 910-3980.

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