Our ERISA attorneys at the Peace Law Firm describe some issues involving ERISA plans and beneficiaries. Contact us for help today.Sign in to Retirement Online, go to the 'My Account Summary' area of your Account Homepage and click "View and Update My Beneficiaries." If the spouse has NOT waived her rights under this plan, then she is the beneficiary REGARDLESS of what a beneficiary designation says. You must name a primary beneficiary and at least one contingent beneficiary (to whom assets will pass if the primary beneficiary has died). The 2012 ERISA Advisory Council studied current challenges and best practices concerning beneficiary designations in retirement and life insurance plans. ERISA protects surviving spouses of deceased participants who had earned a vested pension benefit before their death.