This page only applies if you were hired by Delta Air Lines before February 1972 and retired on or after July 1, 2002.

Appeal issues affecting you

1. The PBGC is basing your maximum payout from the pension plan on the 2003 plan year value of $160,000 (which is significantly reduced for those who retired prior to reaching age 60.)
   
   Prior to plan termination in September, 2006, this maximum payout was based on a limit of $175,000 (at age 60, with significant reductions for retirement prior to age 60). This can represent a benefit reduction of as much as $1250/mo.
   
   
2. Your benefit was and is supposed to be based on either the FAE Formula Benefit (60% FAE) or the Minimum Benefit, whichever provided a larger benefit. Under the PBGC procedures, the Minimum Benefit Calculation virtually always provides a significantly larger benefit. It is uncertain whether this is, in fact, the way your benefit has been calculated. DP3 has a Freedom of Information Act request in to the PBGC for a representative sample of pre 1972 retirees and will decide how to proceed on this issue once we have received that data. This could represent a significant increase for many pre72 hires.

Should I appeal?

If you affected by appeal issue #1 above, you are not receiving the same benefit you received in September, 2006. That means you would benefit from a successful appeal.

(See the "Will I benefit from successful Appeals" page and follow the instructions for locating that value). Remember, if you have turned 65 or started receiving Social Security since 2006, your benefit will be approximately $100/mo less (See the Social Security Offset FAQs).

All retirees in this category may be affected by the issues in appeal #2 above. Until this issue is fully clarified, we recommend that all retirees in this category maintain their right to appeal.

If you are on the wrong page, click the appropriate link from the table below: