Pension money is out there somewhere, despite what they say

Harry Gross
Posted: June 28, 2012

DEAR HARRY: I'm writing to you as a last resort. I have tried to get an attorney to take my case, but they either refused or charged a fee that I cannot afford. I worked for a company for more than 15 years ending in 1995. I retired late last year and called the company to inquire about getting my pension.

I was told that they sent me a check back in 1993 to cover all the money in the plan. I was still employed there in 1993 and made contributions until 1995, so I was not entitled to a check, nor did I ever get one.

I tried to get help from our local labor board, but no one ever got back to me even after several calls. Harry, I paid into the pension plan for more than 14 years (there was a one-year waiting period), and the company also did. I have no idea what happened, and I don't know what to do next. Please help me.

WHAT HARRY SAYS: That pension money exists somewhere. Someone is trying to snow you. Step one is to request a copy of the canceled check that they said was sent to you.

If they cannot produce it, you have to put their toes to the fire. Contact the Employee Benefits Security Administration at 215-861-5300. Over the years, they have done superb work in getting disputes similar to yours settled promptly. My only concern is that someone got sticky fingers and stole the funds. n

Email Harry Gross at harrygross@phillynews.com or write to him at Harry Gross c/o the Daily News, PO Box 8263 Philadelphia, PA 19101. Harry urges all his readers to give blood — contact the American Red Cross at 800-Red Cross.

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