The Arkansas Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans serves as a formal notification provided to participants and beneficiaries of individual account plans in Arkansas when their access to certain or all plan services will be restricted for a specified period known as a blackout period. The notice ensures compliance with the requirements set forth by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERICA) and offers transparency regarding the blackout period's impact on participants' ability to manage their accounts. Keywords: Arkansas, Model Notice, Blackout Periods, Individual Account Plans Types of Arkansas Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans: 1. Full Plan Blackout: This type of notice informs participants that there will be a complete restriction on their ability to carry out any transactions related to their individual account plan during the specified blackout period. 2. Partial Plan Blackout: This variation of the notice outlines that only specific services or transactions will be restricted while others will remain accessible during the blackout period. It provides participants with a clear understanding of the limitations imposed on their account management activities. Details typically included in the Arkansas Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans: 1. Purpose: The notice begins by explaining the purpose of the document, which is to inform participants and beneficiaries about the impending blackout period and its implications on their individual account plans. 2. Blackout Period Duration: The notice specifies the exact start and end dates of the blackout period. This information is vital for the participants to plan their financial activities accordingly. 3. Restricted Transactions: In the case of a partial plan blackout, the notice elaborates on the specific types of transactions or services that will be inaccessible during the blackout period. This may include contributions, withdrawals, loans, or any other transactions pertaining to the individual account plan. 4. Reason for Blackout: The notice explains the reason behind the blackout period, which could be due to plan maintenance, system upgrades, merger or acquisition activities, change of service providers, or any other valid cause that affects the plan's normal operations. 5. Impact on Participants: This section outlines the impact of the blackout period on participants, emphasizing their inability to access certain plan features or perform specific transactions. It may also highlight alternative means for obtaining information or assistance during the blackout period. 6. Contact Information: The notice provides contact details of plan administrators or designated representatives whom participants can reach out to for additional information, clarification, or assistance related to the blackout period. 7. Regulatory Information: To ensure compliance, the notice includes relevant references to ERICA regulations or other applicable laws governing blackout periods, assuring participants that the notice has been issued in accordance with established rules. By carefully providing participants with all necessary details and compliance information, the Arkansas Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans guarantees transparency, allowing participants to plan their financial activities accordingly during the specified blackout period.