To check up on your pension, or to check a pension from a former employer, go to http://www.pbgc.gov/.

Check the accuracy of your pension benefits

The only way to be sure the benefits you are receiving are accurate is to check the plan's calculation against the terms of the pension plan and the formal plan document. Since these are extremely complicated it is a good idea to ask for help. The American Academy of Actuaries Pension Assistance List will provide up to 4 hours of free help to individuals interested in checking their plans' calculations. Go to www.pensionrights.org/counseling-projects for a list of projects and the states they cover.

You can also call the toll-free hotline at the Labor Department's Employees Benefits Security Administration 866-444-3272 or check PensionHelpAmerica an online referral service at www.pensionhelp.org

If you are worried about the health of the pension plan of your employer and you are allowed to do so, consider taking a lump sum payment when you retire and invest the money safely yourself.  Some pension plans allow for this. Many do not.

Veterans Administration Help Line 800-827-1000
Veteran’s widows or widowers help in getting pension and disability checks. Call this toll free number for help.