Your employer's retirement savings plan is an essential part of your future financial security. It is important to understand how your plan works and what benefits you will receive. Just as you would keep track of money that you put in a bank or other financial institution, it is in your best interest to keep track of your retirement benefits.

Those responsible for the management and oversight of your retirement plan must follow certain rules for operating the plan, handling the plan's money and overseeing the firms that manage the money. You should also understand and monitor your retirement plan and your benefits. You will find Action Items in each chapter to assist you in doing this.

This booklet helps you understand your plan and explains what information you should review periodically and where to go for help with questions. It includes information on:

• Different types of retirement plans;

• What information you can get about your plan;

• When and how you can receive retirement benefits;

• What to do if you have a question or find a mistake;

• The responsibilities of those who manage the plan and its investments;

• Your responsibilities to understand and monitor your plan; and

• Specific circumstances such as how a divorce or change of employer ownership may affect your retirement benefit. dol.gov .