The Oregon Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans is a comprehensive document that provides important information regarding blackout periods in retirement plans. Blackout periods refer to periods of time when plan participants do not have access to their account balances or are restricted from making certain investment decisions. This notice is an essential communication tool that plan administrators must provide to participants to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The Oregon Model Notice of Blackout Periods serves to inform and educate plan participants about the upcoming blackout periods, their duration, and the impact these periods may have on their ability to access funds or make investment changes. It outlines the reasons for implementing blackout periods, which can include changes in plan service providers, system maintenance, or significant investment changes, among others. Under the Oregon Model Notice, there are a few different types of blackout periods that may be included. These include: 1. General blackout periods: These are blackout periods that affect all plan participants and typically occur when there is a major plan change or transition, such as transferring to a new investment provider or implementing significant system updates. During these blackout periods, participants may be unable to make contributions, withdrawals, or changes to their account allocations. 2. Individual blackout periods: These blackout periods may occur when an individual plan participant's account is subject to restrictions due to specific circumstances, such as divorce settlements, qualified domestic relations orders, or legal actions involving the participant's account. In these situations, the individual participant's account may be temporarily frozen or restricted until the issue is resolved. The Oregon Model Notice of Blackout Periods includes several key components. It begins with a clear and concise explanation of what blackout periods are and why they may be necessary. It then provides information about the specific blackout period(s) affecting the individual account plan, including the start and end dates, as well as a description of the restrictions that will be in place during this period. Additionally, the notice provides contact information for plan administrators and other relevant parties who can answer participants' questions or address any concerns they may have. It is vital for plan administrators to ensure that this notice is distributed to participants well in advance of the blackout period to allow ample time for individual account holders to plan accordingly. In conclusion, the Oregon Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans is a crucial tool for plan administrators to communicate blackout period details effectively to participants. By providing clear explanations, precise dates, and instructions on whom to contact for additional information, this notice helps participants better understand the blackout periods, their reasons, and their impact on their retirement accounts.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.