Automatic Cashout - Multiple Beneficiaries

[Guest t936]

The accrued benefit of a participant is $6,000. The participant names two beneficiaries and dies. Can the amount payable to each beneficiary, $3,000, be automatically cashed out?

[JanetM]

Accrued benefit is greater than $5,000. You must have consent.

[E as in ERISA]

The consent requirements do not apply after death of the participant. It's another exception to 411(a)(11) in the regulations.