🗞️ EBSA Recovers $1.4 Billion for Workers in FY 2025 Enforcement Actions
The Employee Benefits Security Administration recovered $1.4 billion for retirement and health benefit plans in fiscal year 2025, with over half from enforcement actions protecting more than 156 million workers covered by $13.8 trillion in plan assets.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) announced on January 30, 2026, that it recovered more than $1.4 billion for retirement, health, and welfare benefit plans during fiscal year 2025. The recoveries came through multiple channels: $714.4 million from enforcement actions, $468.7 million from informal complaint resolutions, $117.3 million from the Abandoned Plan Program, $67 million from No Surprises Act inquiries, and $39.1 million from the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program.
Beyond monetary recoveries, EBSA achieved significant non-monetary results including eliminating improper benefit plan provisions, improving fiduciary governance, and increasing access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits. The agency closed 878 civil investigations, with 63% producing monetary results or corrective action. EBSA's Benefits Advisors handled 222,246 inquiries and 27,638 No Surprises Act complaints.
EBSA is responsible for protecting more than 156 million workers, retirees, and their families who are covered by approximately 2.6 million health plans, 801,000 private retirement plans, and 514,000 additional welfare benefit plans. These plans collectively hold about $13.8 trillion in assets. The agency enforces the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which was enacted in 1974 to establish minimum standards for pension plans in private industry.
Key Points
- $1.4 billion recovered in FY 2025 for workers, families, and benefit plans
- $714.4 million came from enforcement actions, with $512.5 million for terminated vested participants
- 878 civil investigations closed, with 63% producing monetary results or corrective action
- 222,246 inquiries closed by Benefits Advisors, recovering $468.7 million through informal resolution
- More than 156 million workers, retirees, and families protected across 2.6 million health plans and 801,000 retirement plans
- $13.8 trillion in total plan assets overseen by EBSA
- 62 criminal indictments and 45 convictions related to employee benefit plan violations
- 27,638 No Surprises Act complaints handled, resulting in $67 million in benefit payments
Primary Source Author: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
Primary Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
Primary Source Link: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20260130-0
Supplemental Links
- EBSA Fiscal Year 2025 Enforcement Fact Sheet
- Employee Benefits Security Administration Website
- Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Overview
- EBSA Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program
- No Surprises Act Information
- Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity
- EBSA Abandoned Plan Program FAQ
- Ask EBSA - Worker Assistance
