What is a Split-Funded Plan? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A split-funded plan is a type of retirement arrangement that combines elements of life insurance and investment plans. In this arrangement, contributions are allocated separately for life insurance and for investments that are typically uninsured. Employers primarily fund these contributions, which are often invested in options that employees can choose from a provided list. However, employees may not fully own these contributions until they meet certain service duration requirements with their employer.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, a company may offer a split-funded plan where employees can allocate a portion of their retirement contributions to a life insurance policy and the remaining to a selection of mutual funds. Employees will not fully own the employer's contributions until they have completed five years of service. (Hypothetical example).

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Defined Benefit Plan A retirement plan that provides a predetermined payout at retirement. Split-funded plans involve both insurance and investment, while defined benefit plans are solely focused on retirement payouts.
Defined Contribution Plan A retirement plan where contributions are defined, but the payout depends on investment performance. Split-funded plans include life insurance, whereas defined contribution plans do not.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are considering a split-funded plan, review your employer's offerings carefully. Understand how contributions are allocated and the vesting schedule. If you need assistance, explore US Legal Forms for ready-to-use legal templates. For complex situations, consulting a legal professional is advisable.

Quick facts

  • Typical funding: Employer contributions
  • Vesting period: Varies by employer, often several years
  • Investment options: Typically chosen from a list provided by the employer

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A split-funded plan is a retirement arrangement that includes both life insurance and investment components.