Verify a retirement planning claim by matching it to three sources: your Social Security record, current IRS rules, and your plan's governing documents. If the numbers, dates, or promises do not match those records, pause before you pay, sign, or move money. A retirement planning claim is any promise about benefits, contributions, payouts, or investment returns. A summary plan description explains a workplace plan in plain language, but the signed plan document controls when details differ.
Official resources:
- Read the official notice from Irs — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
- Read the official guidance from Irs — Use this primary source to verify the official guidance.
Table of Contents
- Check your Social Security record first
- Confirm IRS contribution and payout rules
- Let the signed plan document decide
- Treat pressure and guarantees as red flags
- Run a short check before you act
Check your Social Security record first
The Social Security Administration offers a free personal my Social Security account for checking earnings and benefit estimates. It shows your earnings history and retirement, disability, and survivors estimates through a secure online Statement. You can also get proof of income in minutes through the same account. You can print or save a PDF benefit verification letter, including proof of receiving no benefits, for loans or housing assistance.
Use the letter exactly as issued and keep the earnings record to challenge any benefit amount that looks wrong. The Social Security Administration says nearly 71 million beneficiaries receive a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment beginning January 2026, with increased payments to nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients starting Dec. 31, 2025. A cost-of-living adjustment is an annual change tied to prices. Compare any 2026 increase notice to that percentage and to your own Statement before accepting a new payment figure.
Confirm IRS contribution and payout rules
The Internal Revenue Service reports 2026 employee limits in its 2026 limits notice. Employees may contribute up to $24,500 to 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457, and Thrift Savings Plans, up from $23,500. The IRA annual limit rises to $7,500 from $7,000. A required minimum distribution is the yearly withdrawal the rules require after a certain age. The Internal Revenue Service explains required-minimum-distribution timing in its RMD FAQs.
Owners born 1951-1959 reach required-minimum-distribution age at 73, so someone turning 73 in 2026 takes the first RMD by April 1, 2027. Later birth years generally wait until 75. Ask for the rule in writing when an adviser names a different contribution cap or RMD date. Check the birth-year range, account type, and deadline before signing a rollover or withholding form. Keep a copy of the figure you relied on.
Let the signed plan document decide
The Internal Revenue Service says sponsors of 401(k), profit-sharing, and defined-benefit plans must keep the signed plan document, adoption agreement, amendments, and trust records. Measure vesting, payout options, and early-withdrawal claims against that governing document, not a brochure or summary. Summaries help you read the plan, but they do not replace it.
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The Labor Department says participants can request the summary plan description, summary annual report, and DOL-filed documents from the plan administrator in its plan information guide. Ask in writing and save the reply with these items: If the administrator does not provide the papers, contact EBSA benefits advisors for help. The Labor Department lists help at 1-866-444-3272. Note the date of each request and who answered.
- summary plan description and any amendments
- summary annual report for the latest year
- benefit statement showing vesting and balance
- payout, loan, and hardship rules cited to page numbers
Treat pressure and guarantees as red flags
The SSA Office of Inspector General warns that SSA never calls to offer increased benefits for a fee or information. Benefit amounts follow earnings records by law. Treat an unsolicited boost or unlock offer that seeks payment or bank details as fraud, hang up, and check your my Social Security record instead.
SEC Investor.gov warns that guaranteed or high returns with little risk, unlicensed sellers, missing paperwork, and pressure tactics signal investment fraud. Check the seller through FINRA BrokerCheck before paying. Walk away from any pitch that will not put fees, risks, and withdrawals in writing.
Run a short check before you act
Use the same short routine for every pitch, letter, or video. Write down the exact promise before checking records: Keep screenshots or PDFs of each match with the date you checked.
Share them with a trusted family member or adviser before moving money. If documents do not arrive, call EBSA benefits advisors at 1-866-444-3272 before acting.
- copy the exact promise, amount, and date
- match Social Security figures to your Statement and verification letter
- match contribution and RMD figures to IRS rules for your age and account
- match vesting and payout figures to the signed plan document
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