MRD & Form of Benefit

[Guest crosseyetester]

In general, what form of benefit is offered to participants who are starting to receive MRD's? Does the Plan Administrator choose, or is the participant given a choice? Is spousal consent required no matter what the form of benefit? Previously a plan was automatically giving participants the joint & survivor form, if married, as MRD, but it has been decided to now give Single Life to new MRD's. Also, if a participant decides to take the MRD, must the participant make that election? Or rather is the election required to defer benefits and none necessary to receive?

[Guest crosseyetester]

Follow up question ....

There is a participant who terminated prior to age 65 and then went missing. The participant turned 70 1/2 in 1996 and was just located.

Participant is married and has been offered Single Life & J&S options for benefits from 2/1/06.

Should all retroactive payments with interest be calculated on Single Life since it is the larger lump sum amount and will have less influence on the benefit chosen now? Or should it be based on whatever the participant chooses now, knowing what the lump sum payments are going to be?