Operational failure in a DB prototype

[QNPG]

In the Corbel prototype, it explicitly prohibits the use of a J&S 100% as the normal form. In the administration of plans at a previous firm at which I worked, it was common practice to "fund" for the normal form with J&S 100% although the DB used a prototype and the stated normal form was "life only". The reason they thought that this was acceptable was that under the forms of distribution section, the subsidized benefit of J&S 100% at NRA was offered.

Is this permissible?

[John Feldt ERPA CPC QPA]

That seems like an actuarial assumption, which could be justifiable.

If it's a small plan, you'll want to know marital status and the spouse's birth date for the major accruers of benefits.

You probably want to have a discussion now about their intent later regarding their benefit at retirement. A very large amount of excess assets that cannot be paid as a lump sum because it exceeds the 415 limit can be part of a fun conversation especially if you had already explained that possibility to them in advance.