The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is a federal agency that protects pension benefits in private-sector traditional pension plans known as defined benefit plans. If a plan ends (this is called "plan termination") without sufficient money to pay all benefits, the PBGC becomes the trustee of the plan and pays benefits up to the limits set by law.

PBGC payees:

• are retired, and
• are receiving PBGC pension payments.

If the PBGC paid you a lump sum, you may still be eligible for the HCTC if the PBGC trusteed your plan on or before the date you received your lump sum payment, and you received your payment after August 5, 2002. 

If your company’s plan has been assumed by the PBGC, visit and search the List of PBGC-Trusteed Plans for your company's name.

Return to the Eligibility Requirements and How to Receive the HCTC page.
Return to the HCTC Program home page.
Go to the HCTC Quick References page to view a glossary of terms, FAQs and additional resources.