Harry Gross: Insurer's ex-employee awaits pension benefits

DEAR HARRY: I worked for a life-insurance company from 1985 until I was laid off after it was purchased in 1993. Shortly after that, I received a letter advising me that I was entitled to a "deferred monthly pension benefit of $295 a month" starting June 1, 2013. I still have the letter. In October, I sent them a letter request for any forms they wanted me to fill in. I included a copy of their letter dated May 8, 1993. No answer. I then spoke with a co-worker who had a similar problem. He was told that an annuity had been purchased for him through another life-insurance company. I immediately contacted this company at the number I was given. Their reply was that they had no records regarding me. I feel that I'm clearly entitled to the money I was promised. Neither my former employer nor the new insurance company has had financial problems, so I'm sure the money is somewhere. How do I get it?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: I have no idea what caused your situation, but let's get it resolved. Because insurance companies were involved, a call to them from the state Insurance Department might get you a quick answer. Try that department first by calling 1-877-881-6388 toll-free. Since this is an employee-benefits controversy, the Philadelphia regional office of the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration can help. It has handled similar situations many times. Call 215-861-5300.