PBGC Updates Multiemployer Pension Info Requests
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) wants to keep collecting info from multiemployer pension plans and is asking for your thoughts by March 13, 2026. This helps make sure the rules stay clear and fair for the businesses and workers involved. No big cost changes, just a smooth paperwork update to keep things running right!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 7 costs, 0 mixed.
Special Withdrawal-Rule Filing Burden
If a multiemployer plan adopts special withdrawal rules, the plan sponsor must submit information to PBGC. PBGC estimates at most one plan sponsor will submit a request per year and that the annual burden for this collection is 4 hours and $15,000.
Sale-of-Assets Variance Filings Burden
Employers and plans can request variances related to sales of assets; PBGC estimates 100 employers will submit and 100 plans will respond over the next 3 years, with one employer submitting a variance to PBGC each year. The estimated annual burden for this collection is 1,050 hours and $702,000.
Complete Withdrawal Abatement Filings
An employer can apply to a plan for abatement (reduction or waiver) of complete withdrawal liability and plans may notify bonding/escrow agents; PBGC estimates at most one employer application and one plan response per year. The estimated annual burden is 0.5 hours and $1,000.
Partial Withdrawal Abatement Filings
Employers may apply for abatement of partial withdrawal liability and plans respond; PBGC estimates at most one employer application and one plan response per year. The estimated annual burden is 0.5 hours and $1,000.
Requests to Reallocate Unfunded Benefits
Plans seeking PBGC approval to change how they allocate unfunded vested benefits to withdrawing employers must submit specified information; PBGC estimates 10 plan sponsors will submit such approval requests each year. The estimated annual burden is 200 hours and $200,000.
Mass/Substantial Withdrawal Reporting Burden
Plans must notify PBGC and employers about mass or substantial withdrawals, provide liability assessments and certifications; PBGC estimates two mass withdrawals and one substantial withdrawal per year. The estimated annual burden is 15 hours and $49,500.
Plan Amendment Approval Filing Burden
Plans that adopt special rules about when withdrawals occur may request PBGC approval and must submit identifying and evaluative information; PBGC estimates at most one plan sponsor will submit a request per year. The estimated annual burden is 2 hours and $8,000.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14627, Penalties for Failure To Provide Certain Notices or Other Material Information
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is proposing new rules to set clear penalties for pension plans that don’t send important notices or info on time. This affects pension plan managers who could face fines but might also get penalties waived in certain cases. Comments on these changes are open until September 21, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-13639, Improvements to Rules on Recoupment of Benefit Overpayments
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is updating how it takes back money when it pays too much in benefits. Now, they'll recoup a flat 5% from a participant’s monthly benefit and won’t take money from surviving beneficiaries anymore. These changes affect people in single-employer plans and could make repayments simpler and fairer starting after the comment period ends on September 4, 2026.
2026-13124, Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Valuing Benefits
Starting July 31, 2026, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is updating how it calculates interest rates used to value benefits in single-employer pension plans that are ending. This change affects plan sponsors and employers involved in these plans, helping make sure benefit values match current market conditions. If you’re involved with these plans, get ready for new numbers that could impact how much money is set aside or owed.
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2026-12100, Technical Amendments: Special Financial Assistance
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is updating rules about special financial help for pension plans. These changes clarify how plans can invest the money, when PBGC approval is needed for certain claims, and remove a rule about using funds for health costs. Plan managers and employers should note these tweaks and send comments by August 17, 2026.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00288, Submission of Information Collection for OMB Review; Comment Request; Payment of Premiums; Termination Premium
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) wants to keep collecting info about termination premiums, which are fees paid when pension plans end. This affects companies managing pension plans and helps PBGC keep things running smoothly. If you have thoughts, send them by February 11, 2026—no cost changes, just a paperwork check-up!
Next: 2026-00291, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Statutory Exemption for Cross-Trading of Securities
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a paperwork update about rules for cross-trading securities in pension plans. This affects investment managers and pension plan fiduciaries who must follow clear policies to keep trades fair and transparent. Comments are open until February 11, 2026, with no new costs expected—just smoother, clearer rules.