News Release

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EBSA News Release: [09/18/2008]
Contact Name: Gloria Della or Rick Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-8664 or x4676
Release Number: 08-1355-NAT

U.S. Labor Department Web site assists hurricane victims in locating employee benefit plan sponsors

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today updated its Web site to give sponsors of retirement, health and other benefit plans a way to update their contact information following the disruption of operations due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. This information will allow employees, plan participants and their families, as well as the many support organizations that assist victims of the hurricanes, to reach plan administrators with questions and information related to their benefits.

Employers are encouraged to update their contact information with the department if it has changed. The Web site includes a searchable database that lists pre-hurricane contact information taken from the Form 5500 Annual Reports filed previously by all employee benefit plans located in the affected disaster areas. The Web site allows employers to verify existing information or provide updated contact information — including post-hurricane addresses and phone numbers — that will be entered into this database for public use.

Employers/plan sponsors that wish to update or correct their contact information included on this site may do so by calling 866-444-EBSA (3272) toll-free or by submitting a Verification of Contact Information Form found on the Web site.

Employees/plan participants who need to locate their employer/plan sponsor may search the database at www.dol.gov/ebsa or contact a benefits advisor for assistance at 866-444-EBSA (3272). EBSA benefits advisors can retrieve information for those who do not have access to a computer and are available to answer questions related to benefits issues.

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