The Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans is a crucial document that outlines important information regarding blackout periods for individual retirement or other employee benefit plans. This comprehensive notice serves as a guide to inform participants and beneficiaries about the temporary suspension of their account access or certain transactions within their accounts. The notice is designed to adhere to the specific regulations and guidelines set forth by the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, ensuring compliance with federal laws such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERICA) and the Pension Protection Act (PPA). By providing a detailed description of blackout periods, plan administrators can effectively communicate changes and protect the interests of plan participants. Key terms and phrases relevant to the Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans may include: 1. Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice: This refers to the standardized template provided by Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, which plan administrators are required to use when issuing blackout period notices. 2. Blackout Periods: Blackout periods represent specific intervals during which participants or beneficiaries are prohibited from making certain transactions, including trades, loans, or withdrawals, within their individual retirement or employee benefit accounts. 3. Individual Account Plans: This term encompasses a variety of retirement or employee benefit plans, such as 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, and money purchase pension plans that offer participants individual accounts where contributions and earnings are allocated. 4. Notice Requirements: This pertains to the obligations imposed on plan administrators to give participants advance notice of a blackout period, typically at least 30 days prior to the commencement of such a period. 5. Compliance: The Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice ensures that plan administrators adhere to all applicable federal and state laws governing blackout periods under individual account plans. Compliance is crucial to avoid penalties and legal ramifications. Variations or types of Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans might include those specific to different retirement or employee benefit plans provided by employers in Allegheny County. For example: 1. Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice of Blackout Periods for 401(k) Plans. 2. Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice of Blackout Periods for Profit-Sharing Plans. 3. Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice of Blackout Periods for Money Purchase Pension Plans. Each of these variations ensures plan administrators provide participants with appropriate notice relevant to the specific type of individual account plan it covers. In conclusion, the Allegheny Pennsylvania Model Notice of Blackout Periods under Individual Account Plans is a vital document that facilitates transparency and compliance regarding temporary restrictions within retirement or employee benefit accounts. It guarantees plan participants and beneficiaries are fully informed about blackout periods and their implications, safeguarding their interests and promoting regulatory adherence.