Benefits and pensions for employees often come into play during the hiring process as well as when the employee leaves the organization for whatever reason. There are also laws that allow employees who lose their jobs to continue the health coverage they had with their employer while they look for new work.

Additionally, if an Anacortes employer guaranteed any benefits to the employer in a contract when work began, they must make good on these. Sometimes benefits are paid directly by the employer, while other instances of benefits require voluntary contributions from the worker. Also note that there can be a required minimum amount of time spent working for the employer in order for the employee to receive benefits.

What Employee Benefits are Protected by Washington law?

Washington laws require that employers providing medical plans for their workers perform specific legal duties. The employer must inform the employee about their health plans, and the employee is entitled to fair treatment in the review process of their claim. Additionally, some laws let employees who are out of work receive health care from a previous employer's plan while they are looking for a new job.

Anacortes employers also owe legal duties to those given pension programs. First, they are legally bound to provide the benefits that were promised under a set benefit plan. Second, under a matched contribution plan, the employer must bear the risk of any investments that are made on behalf of employees.

How can a Anacortes, Washington Pension and Benefits Attorney Help?

Lawyers in Anacortes, Washington can help an employer in drafting a pension plan that is in compliance with the respective law. An attorney can also help employees in negotiating unforeseen difficulties arising out of a benefits plan.