Our ERISA attorneys at the Peace Law Firm describe some issues involving ERISA plans and beneficiaries. Contact us for help today.The 2012 ERISA Advisory Council studied current challenges and best practices concerning beneficiary designations in retirement and life insurance plans. Clark University Retirement Plan ("Plan") has been adopted to provide you with the opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged. My mom had a Pension. You must name a primary beneficiary and at least one contingent beneficiary (to whom assets will pass if the primary beneficiary has died). ERISA provides that a person who is an alternate payee under a QDRO generally shall be considered a beneficiary under the plan for purposes of. ERISA. More In Retirement Plans​​ ERISA protects surviving spouses of deceased participants who had earned a vested pension benefit before their death. ERISA Retirement Plan Document. ERISA contains various provisions intended to protect the rights of plan participants and beneficiaries in employee benefit plans.