Retirement Benefits Request Letter: 10 Proven Samples to Claim What You’re Owed

Quick answer summary

If you think you’re owed retirement benefits (pension, 401(k) money you cannot access, annuity payments, or Social Security), do this:

• Gather proof (plan name, employee ID, dates of employment, statements, award letters, bank records).

• Write a short, firm letter that states what’s missing and what you want them to do (start payments, correct the amount, reissue checks, confirm beneficiary status).

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  Ask for a written response by a specific date and include your contact information.

• Send it with tracking (certified mail or secure portal upload), keep copies, and follow up on a schedule.=

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When a retirement benefits request letter works best

Use a request letter when:

• Payments never started (you filed paperwork, met the age or service rules, but nothing happened).

• Payments started, then stopped (address change, bank change, plan admin switch).

• You’re being underpaid (wrong service credit, wrong salary history, missing spouse benefit, missing COLA).

• You cannot locate an old pension plan (company closed, merged, or outsourced HR).

• You need survivor benefits after a retiree’s death.

Real-life example: A retired warehouse supervisor moved states and updated his bank, but not the pension plan’s recordkeeper. The plan marked him “missing” and suspended payments. One certified letter with his proof of identity, benefit start date, and new banking details got checks restarted and back pay processed.

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Know your rights (and use them tactfully)

If this is an employer pension or other ERISA-covered plan

Many workplace retirement plans must follow a formal claims process. For a standard benefit claim, plans generally must respond within a reasonable time and typically no later than 90 days, with limited extensions if special circumstances apply. GovInfo
If your claim is denied, plans generally must give you at least 60 days to appeal an adverse decision. GovInfo

If this is Social Security retirement

You can typically receive monthly retirement benefits as early as age 62 (if you meet eligibility rules). Social Security
When applying, SSA expects specific identity and eligibility details (like Social Security number, marriage/divorce details when relevant, and banking info for direct deposit). Social Security

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Before you write, gather the “proof pack”

You’ll sound more credible and get faster results when you attach the right documents.

Strong supporting documents

• Photo ID (as appropriate)

• Benefit statements, award letters, or plan estimates

• Pay stubs or W-2s (if service/earnings are disputed)

• Employment dates and job title(s)

• Marriage certificate, divorce decree/QDRO, or death certificate (if survivor/spousal benefit issue)

• Bank records showing missing deposits

• Any prior emails/letters, case numbers, or portal screenshots

If you’re hunting an old pension

PBGC notes that documents like a Deferred Vested Retirement Benefit letter and the Summary Plan Description (SPD) can be especially useful for locating/confirming benefits. pbgc.gov
If you suspect a terminated private-sector pension, PBGC’s Missing Participants Program explains how to search and what to do if your plan appears on their lists. pbgc.gov

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How to write a letter that actually gets results

Keep it firm, factual, and easy to process.

Include these “must-haves”

• Your full legal name (and any prior names)

• Last 4 of SSN (or your plan’s preferred identifier)

• Date of birth

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  Plan name, employer name, and approximate employment dates

• What you are owed (missing start, missing months, incorrect amount, missing survivor benefit)

• What you want them to do (start benefits, reissue checks, correct calculation, confirm status)

• A response deadline (for example, “within 14 days”)

• A list of enclosures

My opinion (based on what works)

If you want speed, make the administrator’s job easy: bullets, dates, amounts, and attachments that prove the issue. Vague letters turn into “please provide more info” delays.

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1) Retirement benefit start request (you’re eligible but payments never began)

[Date]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Phone] | [Email]

[Plan Administrator/Benefits Office]
[Company/Plan Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Subject: Request to Start My Retirement Benefit Payments (Participant: [Your Name])

Dear [Plan Administrator Name/Benefits Team],

I am writing to request that my retirement benefit payments begin immediately. I separated from employment with [Employer Name] on [Last Day Worked], and I met the plan’s eligibility requirements as of [Eligibility Date]. Despite submitting my retirement election paperwork on [Date Submitted], I have not received my first payment or a written status update.

Please confirm, in writing, (1) my benefit commencement date, (2) my monthly gross benefit amount, (3) the payment schedule, and (4) any remaining items you need from me to release payment. If additional documentation is required, please list it clearly so I can provide it promptly.

I would appreciate a written response by [Date, about 10–14 days out]. Thank you for your help in getting my earned benefit processed without further delay.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Participant ID: [ID] | Last 4 SSN: [XXXX] | DOB: [MM/DD/YYYY]

Enclosures: Copy of ID, retirement election form, prior correspondence

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2) Missing pension payments request (checks/direct deposits stopped)

[Date]

Subject: Urgent Request to Reissue Missing Retirement Payments

Dear [Plan Administrator/Recordkeeper],

My retirement benefits from the [Plan Name] stopped unexpectedly. My last received payment was [Date] in the amount of $[Amount]. I have not received payments for [Month/Month/Month], and my bank confirms no deposits were received during this period.

Please investigate and provide:

1. The reason payments stopped,

2. The status of my account (active, suspended, returned mail, banking reject), and

3. The timeline to reissue all missed payments and resume ongoing payments.

If this issue relates to an address or banking update, I am including my current mailing address and direct deposit details below. Please confirm in writing that your records have been updated.

Current Address: [Address]
Bank Name: [Bank] | Routing: [Routing] | Account: [Account] (or “on file via attached voided check form”)

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Participant ID: [ID] | Last 4 SSN: [XXXX]

Enclosures: Bank statement page showing no deposits, proof of address, direct deposit form/voided check

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3) Underpayment dispute (benefit amount seems wrong)

[Date]

Subject: Request for Review and Correction of My Retirement Benefit Calculation

Dear [Plan Administrator],

I believe my retirement benefit is being calculated incorrectly. My current gross monthly payment is $[Amount], which does not match the estimate provided on [Date of Estimate] or my understanding of the plan formula based on my service credit and compensation history.

Please provide a written breakdown of how my benefit was calculated, including:

• Credited service used (years and months)

• Compensation used for the benefit formula (and the years included)

• Early retirement reductions, if any

• Survivor option election reductions, if any

• Any offsets applied (and the basis for them)

If an error is identified, please confirm the corrected monthly amount and the back pay due from my commencement date of [Date]. I am requesting a written response by [Date].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Participant ID: [ID] | Last 4 SSN: [XXXX]

Enclosures: Benefit estimate, recent pay stubs/W-2s, current award/payment statement

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4) Request for back pay (you should have started earlier)

[Date]

Subject: Request for Retroactive Retirement Benefits (Back Pay)

Dear [Plan Administrator/Benefits Team],

I am requesting retroactive retirement benefits (back pay) because my benefit start date should be [Correct Start Date], but payments did not begin until [Actual Start Date]. This delay caused missing benefits for the period of [Month/Year] through [Month/Year].

Please confirm:

1. Whether the plan agrees my correct commencement date is [Correct Start Date], and

2. The total gross back pay owed, including any withheld taxes, and

3. The date the back pay will be issued.

If you believe a different commencement date applies, please explain the reason in writing and cite the relevant plan provision.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Participant ID: [ID] | Last 4 SSN: [XXXX]

Enclosures: Retirement approval letter, payment history, any date-stamped submission receipts

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5) Survivor benefit request (spouse/beneficiary claiming owed benefits)

[Date]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Phone] | [Email]

Subject: Survivor Benefit Claim Request for [Deceased Participant Name], DOB [MM/DD/YYYY]

Dear [Plan Administrator],

I am writing to request survivor benefits owed under the [Plan Name] for my [relationship, e.g., spouse], [Participant Full Name], who passed away on [Date of Death]. I believe a survivor option or beneficiary benefit applies based on the participant’s election and plan rules.

Please send written confirmation of:

• Whether survivor benefits are payable,

• The benefit type (joint and survivor annuity, preretirement survivor annuity, beneficiary payment, etc.),

• The documentation required to process my claim, and

• The expected processing timeline.

I have enclosed the death certificate and proof of my relationship. If there are forms I must complete, please include them or direct me to the correct secure portal link.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

Enclosures: Death certificate, marriage certificate (or proof of relationship), photo ID, any plan election documents available

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6) Request to locate an old pension (former employer, plan lost track of you)

[Date]

Subject: Request for Assistance Locating My Earned Pension Benefit (Former Employee)

Dear [HR/Benefits Administrator],

I am a former employee of [Employer Name] (worked approximately [Year–Year]) and believe I earned a vested pension benefit. I am requesting written confirmation of:

1. Whether I am vested in any retirement plan sponsored by [Employer Name],

2. The plan name(s), plan sponsor, and current administrator/recordkeeper contact information, and

3. The process to apply for or start my benefit.

If the plan terminated or was transferred to another administrator, please provide the successor plan contact details. If you cannot locate my record, please tell me what additional identifying information you need.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Former Employee ID (if known): [ID] | DOB: [MM/DD/YYYY] | Last 4 SSN: [XXXX]

Enclosures: Copy of ID, old pay stub/W-2, any plan statements

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7) PBGC Missing Participants request (you found a plan name and need next steps)

[Date]

Subject: Request for Guidance on a Potential Unclaimed Benefit (PBGC Missing Participants)

Dear [PBGC/Plan Administrator Name],

I am seeking assistance with a potential unclaimed retirement benefit related to the plan listed as:
Plan Name: [Plan Name]
Employer/Sponsor: [Employer]
PBGC Case Number (if shown): [Case #]
My identifying information: [Full Name], DOB [MM/DD/YYYY], Last 4 SSN [XXXX]

Please confirm whether I am associated with this plan’s missing participant records and advise the exact steps and documents required to claim any benefit that may be owed. If the plan indicates an annuity was purchased with an insurance company, please confirm the insurer name, annuity contract number, and the correct contact method.

Thank you for helping me connect with any benefit I earned.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Address] | [Phone] | [Email]

Enclosures: Proof of identity, proof of prior employment (W-2 or pay stub), screenshot/printout of plan listing

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8) Social Security retirement follow-up (application status or missing documents)

[Date]

Subject: Request for Status Update on My Social Security Retirement Application

Dear Social Security Administration,

I am requesting an update on my Social Security retirement benefits application submitted on [Submission Date]. My application confirmation number (if available) is [Confirmation #]. Please let me know whether my claim is pending, whether additional documents are needed, and the expected timeframe for a decision.

For identification, my information is:
Name: [Full Name]
DOB: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Last 4 SSN: [XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] | Address: [Address]

If you need any missing documents, please specify exactly what is required and where to submit it. Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Enclosures: Any requested documents (if applicable)

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9) Request to correct retirement earnings/service record (protect your benefit amount)

[Date]

Subject: Request to Correct Records Used to Determine My Retirement Benefit

Dear [Plan Administrator or SSA],

I am requesting a correction to the records used to calculate my retirement benefit. I believe the current record is missing or misstating: [missing years of earnings / incorrect employment dates / incorrect service credit / incorrect salary figure].

The correct information should be:

• Employer/Agency: [Name]

• Period: [Start–End]

• Evidence: [W-2s, pay stubs, employment verification letter, tax transcripts, etc.]

Please confirm receipt of this request and advise the next steps to update the record and revise my benefit amount if needed. I am including documentation supporting the correction.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
DOB: [MM/DD/YYYY] | Last 4 SSN: [XXXX]

Enclosures: Supporting documentation list

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10) Formal ERISA claim for benefits (strong, “process-driven” version)

[Date]

Subject: Formal Claim for Benefits Under the [Plan Name]

Dear Plan Administrator,

This letter serves as my formal claim for benefits under the [Plan Name]. I am requesting payment of the retirement benefits I am entitled to based on my participation and vesting in the plan.

Claim details:

• Participant: [Full Name], DOB [MM/DD/YYYY], Last 4 SSN [XXXX]

• Employment: [Employer], approximately [Start–End]

• Benefit issue: [Benefits not started / payments stopped / underpayment / missing back pay]

• Requested resolution: [Start or resume payments / correct amount / issue back pay from (date)]

Please provide, in writing:

1. The plan’s benefit determination, including the factual basis and plan provisions relied upon, and

2. Copies of relevant documents supporting the decision (including applicable plan provisions, benefit calculation worksheets, and any records used to determine my benefit).

I am requesting that all responses be sent to me at the address above and by email where possible. Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Enclosures: Supporting documents, payment history, prior correspondence

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Checklists

Retirement benefits letter checklist (before sending)

• ☐ Identify the correct recipient (plan administrator, recordkeeper, HR, PBGC contact, or SSA)

• ☐ Include your identifiers (DOB, last 4 SSN, participant ID)

• ☐ State the problem in one sentence (missing start, stopped payments, wrong amount)

• ☐ List dates and amounts (specific months missing, last payment date)

• ☐ Attach proof (statements, bank records, award letters, death certificate if survivor claim)

• ☐ Ask for a written response by a deadline

Sending and follow-up checklist

• ☐ Send via certified mail or tracked delivery (or upload via secure portal)

• ☐ Keep a complete copy of everything you send

• ☐ Follow up by phone or portal message in 7–10 business days

• ☐ Log names, dates, call summaries, and case numbers

• ☐ If denied, request the written reason and appeal steps (do not argue on the phone)

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Extra tips that speed up payment

• Use a clean “one-page summary” at the top: who you are, what’s missing, what you want, deadline.

• Ask for the calculation breakdown if the amount is wrong. Most delays come from unclear disputes.

• If it’s a lost pension, search official databases and bring documents that prove you earned the benefit. PBGC specifically highlights key documents that can help you track down unclaimed benefits. pbgc.gov

• For Social Security, make sure you’re prepared to provide the info SSA lists as commonly needed for retirement applications (banking, spouse/ex-spouse details when applicable, and more). Social Security

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Why this matters (a quick reality check)

Millions of people rely on retirement benefits to stay stable. SSA reports that 72.9 million people received SSA-administered benefits in 2024, which shows just how many households depend on these payments arriving correctly and on time. Social Security
And among Social Security beneficiaries age 65+, SSA notes a meaningful share rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income (12% of men and 15% of women, based on research SSA references). Social Security

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Video section (helpful walkthroughs)

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Sources

• U.S. Department of Labor (EBSA), ERISA claims procedure regulation (29 CFR 2560.503-1), including timing and appeal standards. GovInfo+1

• Social Security Administration (SSA), Retirement benefits overview and planning. Social Security

• SSA, Form SSA-1: information typically needed to apply for retirement benefits. Social Security

• SSA, Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security (2025 chartbook). Social Security

• SSA, basic facts fact sheet (income reliance figures as cited by SSA). Social Security

• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), Missing Participants Program guidance and “Documents to claim a retirement benefit.” pbgc.gov+1

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Disclaimer

I’m not a lawyer or your plan administrator. This article provides general educational information and sample language, not legal, tax, or financial advice. If you’re facing a large underpayment, a denial, or a tight deadline, consider speaking with a qualified professional.