Usually, you fill out the required paperwork and submit it to the plan administrator, who then can tell you what your benefits will be and when they will start. It's in an ERISA account owner's best interest to have specific beneficiaries designated in retirement accounts.This will facilitate the transfer of assets. ERISA contains various provisions intended to protect the rights of plan participants and beneficiaries in employee benefit plans. We've put together a guide to help you understand more about retirement income and protection planning. This GRIST provides a basic primer on ERISA's preemption of state laws, including various exceptions, exclusions and court rulings. The annual report of employee welfare and pension plans may be filed with the Department of Labor (DOL) in compliance with Section 103 of ERISA.