The US Labor Department Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration (PWBA) advises you to protect your pension rights:

Retain a copy of the summary plan description, which outlines the benefits your plan provides.

Obtain, review and keep on file your individual benefit statement records that document your work history.

Notify your pension office of a change in your status, such as a marriage, divorce or death of spouse.

If you change jobs, notify former employers of your current address.

The PWBA will answer questions about your pension rights and give advice to help you secure your pension. PWBA advisers can be reached at (202) 219-8776. Advisers also take calls at 15 regional offices:

Atlanta-(404) 562-2156;
Boston-(617) 565-9600;
Chicago-(312) 353-0900;
Cincinnati-(606) 578-4680;
Dallas-(214) 767-6831;
Detroit-(313) 226-7450;
Kansas City-(816) 426-5131;
Los Angeles-(818) 583-7862;
Miami-(305) 651-6464;
New York-(212) 399-5191;
Philadelphia-(215) 596-1134;
St. Louis-(314) 539-2691;
San Francisco-(415) 744-6700;
Seattle-(206) 553-4244;
Washington, D.C.-(202) 254-7013.

The pensions of most Americans with defined benefit plans are insured with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. Should a pension terminate, call (202) 326-4000 for information.