Design Matters: Plan Distribution Options – Taking Money Out for Retirement

By Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association · 2018 · RET101-120-25

Study guide: Exam RET-101

A May 2018 white paper of the Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA) on the distribution options available to defined contribution plan sponsors, the "rules" that determine how participants may access their accumulated retirement savings. It highlights recent research on the impact of plan design on participant behavior with respect to distributions, and suggests that plan sponsors evaluate their plans' objectives for retired and separated participants and whether their distribution options align with them.

On the syllabus

• Exam RET-101 — RET101-120-25; outcomes 4a-4n.

Overview

Introduction

• Key Takeaways

Common Distribution Practices Today

Reconsidering and Updating Plan Objectives and Design

Retiree-Friendly Distribution Programs

Checklist for Plan Sponsors

Conclusion

Educating Participants About Their Retirement Choices

About DCIIA

Endnotes

Sources

• Design Matters: Plan Distribution Options – Taking Money Out for Retirement (DCIIA, May 2018) — the document, as a copy hosted by Retirement Income Journal: title page, contributors, the overview and introduction and the section headings; DCIIA's own download could not be reached, and the paper is identified with the SOA's reading by its title, since the SOA's study notes are sold through its online store and were not seen
• RET 101 Syllabus, Nov 2026/Mar 2027/Jul 2027 (SOA) — the citation (RET101-120-25) and the learning outcomes
• RET 101 Course Strategy Guide, Nov 2026/Mar 2027/Jul 2027 (SOA) — the guide's description of the reading as offering other perspectives on evaluating retirement income options in DC plans