PBGC recently published guidance granting additional relief from penalties associated with late payment of premiums and in situations where a pension plan fails to comply with the mechanics for electing the alternative premium funding target to calculate the variable rate premium. The following summarizes the available relief and eligibility requirements.

On September 14, 2011, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) issued a notice (Notice) that provides relief to pension plans from penalties associated with certain late payment of premiums and situations involving the failure to properly elect the alternative premium funding target (APFT) to calculate the variable rate premium (VRP). According to PBGC’s press release, the agency was granting premium-related relief as part of a continuing effort to ease regulatory burdens on its customers. Plan sponsors and industry groups continue to request that the PBGC expand premium penalty relief beyond the situations described below.