Incorrect SSA Potential Private Retirement Benefit Information Letters?

[RayRay]

Has anyone else received calls from clients stating their former employees have received SSA Potential Private Retirement Benefit Information Letters when they took full distributions years ago?  In the last week, we've received calls from several and in every case the participants were reported with a code D on a form 8955-SSA at some point in the past. The oldest one was from 1994! 

Anyone aware of any issues at the DOL that might have resulted in this, or aware of something that has been released about this that I might have missed?

Thanks!

[Belgarath]

No, not yet. What do these letters say? Would it be possible to post a fully redacted copy of one such letter?

[RayRay]

I haven't received a copy yet from the individual I've been dealing with personally, but from her description of the form it appears to be the normal form letter, attached.

SSA Potential Private Retirement Benefit Information Letter.pdf

[Lou S.]

I think before electronic filing, the SSA was not that great about removing folks reported as D. But that's just my guess.

[Riley Britton]

I've seem them in the past. I don't think anything has been released. 

[Peter Gulia]

If a “MAY” letter results in someone submitting a claim, consider following carefully ERISA § 503 and the plan’s claims procedure, including notices about time limits to seek a review and a time bar on a challenge in court or arbitration.

[ESOP Guy]

On 6/8/2023 at 11:15 AM, Belgarath said:

No, not yet. What do these letters say? Would it be possible to post a fully redacted copy of one such letter?

This is my impression.   Before you filed these electronically their input on the part of the government was hit and miss.