by Char Brooks, J.D.
What’s a pension? And why is it important?
Here’s what it is in a nutshell: If you have a pension, it is money that is rightfully owed to you because you earned it. That’s why it’s important.
A pension is basically a long-term investment that is intended to support you after you retire.
Can you imagine depending on your pension to support you and then the company you worked for seems to have disappeared when you need them to pay you?
Rebecca Miller*, who eventually became our client, was beyond frustrated as she tried to track down her pension. She spent almost two years trying to get her pension benefit.
Here’s what Rebecca had to say about her experience trying to get her pension on her own:
“Many initial contacts with the plan administrator were ill-informed, impatient and hard pressed to take the time to fully and accurately understand. From the tone of the initial conference calls I was being dismissed ineligible.”
When Rebecca contacted us, things radically changed. Here’s what she has to say about how Attorney Sandra Wisnewski, Director of the Mid-America Pensions Rights Project, handled her case:
“From the beginning I could tell that you were my advocate, business like and very professional in attention to detail and friendly and kind at the same time. Your legal skills were evident from the start but your kindness and willingness to really listen and clarify points with a positive attitude were very important in building my peace of mind.”
The result? Rebecca received her pension and was thrilled.
If you have any questions about your pension, please contact the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at 866-735-7737. Since 1998, the project has assisted over 10,000 clients and has recovered individual pension benefits valued at more than 48 million dollars. Our knowledgeable and caring staff are available to provide pension rights information and to investigate your pension claims.
*Elder Law of Michigan received permission to use all names and details in this post.
Char Brooks is a Hotline Attorney at Elder Law of Michigan and a regular contributor to this blog.