Disclaimer Concerning Benefit Calculations, Benefit Projections, Counseling, and Certain Conditions Regarding ATRS Benefits and Rights
The purpose of this Disclaimer is to summarize, in plain language, existing ATRS policy concerning benefit calculations, benefit projections, counseling, and certain conditions regarding ATRS benefits and rights. This Disclaimer does not reflect any alteration or amendment of existing ATRS policy. This site includes general information about ATRS programs and benefits and may not represent or include completely the law and/or rules that govern ATRS. Arkansas law and/or administrative rules will supersede any information in conflict.
ATRS strives to provide accurate information and assistance to plan participants who have questions regarding their ATRS benefits. All information and calculations concerning benefits are based upon current law and policy, even though information often concerns future benefits. Likewise, laws and policies affecting plan participants are subject to change from time to time. The Arkansas General Assembly, U. S. Congress, federal agencies, and the ATRS Board of Trustees may change how benefits are calculated and change other rights of plan participants. Any benefit projection or information provided by ATRS is subject to future law or policy that is applicable to ATRS.
ATRS staff depends upon information provided by the plan participants and offers counseling and projects future benefit estimates based upon that information. Such estimates can vary materially from actual results. Calculations concerning benefits, as well as the information ATRS provides during counseling, can be materially affected if the plan participant provides inaccurate or incomplete information, or omits material facts. Plan participants are presumed to have knowledge of all publicly available laws and policies that affect their ATRS benefits and rights. ATRS is under no duty to ensure that plan participants are specifically informed of a new law or policy unless required within the law or policy itself. If ATRS attempts to notify plan participants who may be affected by a change of a law or policy, the failure to notify a specific plan participant does not create any right or cause of action for the plan participant.
ATRS does not provide plan participants with specific recommendations regarding retirement options, tax advice, or legal advice. Each plan participant is solely responsible for determining whether benefit calculations, benefit projections, benefit estimates, and retirement plan options are suitable for the plan participant based upon his or her specific retirement objectives and personal and financial situation. ATRS encourages plan participants to consult their own lawyer, accountant, tax professional, or other retirement adviser before making a decision that affects their benefits and rights regarding ATRS.
Federal law and policy, state law and policy, ATRS records and documents, and accurate data always govern the final determination of plan participant benefits and rights. An error by ATRS does not create any common law rights on behalf of the plan participant. The rights of a plan participant are solely governed by the rights set forth in law and policy applicable to ATRS.