The Summary Plan Description (SPD) should include your plan's claims procedures. Usually, you fill out the required paperwork and submit it to the plan.Self-directed 401k falls under federal code (ERISA) and 401k anti-alienation protection. 401k retirement assets are shielded from creditors in Texas. Plans covered under ERISA include 401(k)s, pensions, deferred compensation plans and profitsharing plans. Here's what you need to know. ERISA covers most employer-sponsored retirement plans. But public employee plans, such as the state pension plan in answer "B," are exempt from coverage. A governmental retirement plan must meet certain minimum benefit or contribution standards to qualify as a public retirement system. As an "employer," a group or association, as well as a PEO, can sponsor a defined contribution retirement plan for its members.