Question

Melissa's retirement plan is described in her employee handbook as follows:NoncontributoryCliff vesting (100%) after 3 years of full-time employmentMonthly retirement benefits based on average salary over the last 3 years of employment and the total number of years worked for the companyWhich of the following statements about this retirement plan is true?

a. If Melissa leaves this company before working full time for 3 years, she will not receive any benefits.
b. Melissa will have to make investment decisions regarding her retirement plan.
c. For Melissa, vesting takes place gradually over the first 3 years of employment.
d. Melissa's retirement plan is a defined contribution plan.
e. Melissa will have to pay money into the plan.

Answer 1

a. If Melissa leaves this company before working full time for 3 years, she will not receive any benefits.

This is true based on the information provided. The plan is noncontributory, which means Melissa does not need to make contributions to the plan. Additionally, the cliff vesting feature means that Melissa will not be vested (or entitled to the benefits) until she has worked full-time for 3 years.