1. Home
  2. Employee Benefits Security Administration
    3. >M-1 Online Filing System

Form M-1 Online Filing System

The Form M-1 is an annual report that must be filed by Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs). In general, MEWAs are arrangements that offer health and other benefits to the employees of two or more different employers. MEWAs do not include plans determined by the Secretary of Labor to be collectively bargained. Plans claiming this exception without a determination from the Labor Department are considered Entities Claiming Exception (ECEs) and must file for three years following an origination event (which is defined in regulations and in the instructions to the Form M-1). If you have questions about using the online filing system, see the FAQs on The Form M-1. If you have further questions about using or completing the Form M-1, please contact the Form M-1 Help Desk at 202-693-8360.

NOTE:The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) published final rules on March 1, 2013 regarding MEWA registration requirements under ERISA 101(g) as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. These rules can be found at http://webapps.dol.gov/FederalRegister/HtmlDisplay.aspx?DocId=26692&AgencyId=8&DocumentType=2 . With respect to all 2012 and later filings, MEWAs and ECEs should use this electronic Form M-1 for filing purposes.

The Form M-1 must be filed no later than March 1 following any calendar year for which a filing is required. A one-time extension of time to file will automatically be granted if the administrator of the MEWA or ECE requests an extension. To request an extension, the administrator must: (1) check box B(3) in Part I, and complete the rest of Part I as it applies to the MEWA or ECE; (2) complete boxes 1a-d, 2a-d, and 3a-c in Part II; (3) electronically sign, date, and provide the administrator’s name at the end of the form; and (4) electronically file this request for extension no later than the normal due date for the Form M-1. In such a case, the administrator will have an additional 60 days to file a completed Form M-1. You must attach a PDF copy of this request for extension to the completed Form M-1 when filed.

This site is for years 2012 and beyond. For all years prior to 2012 please go to www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewapre2012/

Remember Your User ID is the name you chose when first registering your account.