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The Daily Insight Hub

What happens to pensions when company files bankruptcy?

Author

Daniel Santos

Updated on February 08, 2026

Generally, your retirement plan assets are protected when a business declares bankruptcy because ERISA requires that retirement plan monies be kept separate from an employer’s business assets and held in trust. Thus, if an employer declares bankruptcy, the retirement funds should be secure from the company’s creditors.

Are pensions federally protected?

PBGC is a federal agency created by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to protect pension benefits in private defined benefit plans – the kind that typically pay a set monthly amount at retirement. Your insured plan remains protected even if your employer fails to pay the required premiums.

Can I sue for my pension?

In a 5-4 decision issued on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that pension plan participants have no right to sue the people running their plans for fund mismanagement. The Court’s majority opinion in Thole v.

How much pension do you get from UPS?

A UPS worker, for example, age 52 with 28 years service, can retire with $3,800 presently. By 2012, the accrual (at the present rate of 1.2% of annual contributions) will be $210, and the early retirement pension will be about $4400 per month. $2,500 for 25-at-57 (Plus $150 for each additional year of service).

Can a pension plan be protected in bankruptcy?

With few exceptions, bankruptcy law protects your pension or retirement account, so it’s likely safe. But to be sure, you’ll want to confirm that your plan falls into one of two categories: you can protect your plan with a state or federal exemption.

What happens to my pension if I go bankrupt in Ontario?

The good news is that both Federal and Provincial laws do a great job of protecting one’s pension, as in addition to your OAS, GIS and CPP, private pensions are protected when you file for bankruptcy. For Pensioners in Ontario, The Pensions Act of Ontario mentions that pensions are not subject to seizure/execution.

What happens to my retirement account if I file bankruptcy?

plan funds that have been rolled-over or transferred into a new, noncompliant fund. For many, a retirement account is the most significant asset a filer owns. Before pursuing bankruptcy, it’s prudent to verify that you won’t lose valuable property by consulting with a local bankruptcy attorney. Need professional help? Start here.

What happens if I go bankrupt in Canada?

Losing your pension can be a scary thought. We spend a lifetime building our pension, and we don’t want to see it taken away in a flash in a bankruptcy. The good news is that there are Canadian laws that protect individuals’ pensions in the case of bankruptcy.