Description: This is an EA1 study note will present some common examples of converting benefits for normal, early and late retirement. It will also analyze how changes in a plan's actuarial equivalence assumption can affect the magnitude of the converted benefits.

Description: This article describes the Joint and Survivor Factor. In defined benefit plans, ERISA requires that the normal form of the pension must be on a qualified joint and survivor basis. If the plan defines the pension in terms of a lifetime pension to the participant only, the lifetime pension must be multiplied by the joint and survivor factor. This article shows what happens to the factor as the interest rate increases.