Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 114 Part 4.djvu/170

 114 STAT. 2232 PUBLIC LAW 106-501—NOV. 13, 2000 "(D) employee pension benefit plans as defined in section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002(2)). " (2) PENSION COUNSELING AND INFORMATION PROGRAM.— The term 'pension counseling and information program' means a program described in subsection (b). Grants. "(b) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.— The Assistant Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to establish and carry out pension counseling and information programs that create or continue a sufficient number of pension assistance and counseling programs to provide outreach, information, counseling, referral, and other assistance regarding pension and other retirement benefits, and rights related to such benefits, to individuals in the United States. "(c) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.— The Assistant Secretary shall award grants under this section to— "(1) State agencies or area agencies on aging; and "(2) nonprofit organizations with a proven record of providing— "(A) services related to retirement of older individuals; "(B) services to Native Americans; or "(C) specific pension counseling. "(d) CITIZEN ADVISORY PANEL. —The Assistant Secretary shall establish a citizen advisory panel to advise the Assistant Secretary regarding which entities should receive grant awards under this section. Such panel shall include representatives of business, labor, national senior advocates, and national pension rights advocates. The Assistant Secretary shall consult such panel prior to awarding grants under this section. "(e) APPLICATION. —To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall submit an application to the Assistant Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Assistant Secretary may require, including— "(1) a plan to establish a pension counseling and information program that— "(A) establishes or continues a State or area pension counseling and information program; "(B) serves a specific geographic area; "(C) provides counseling (including direct counseling and assistance to individuals who need information regarding pension and other retirement benefits) and information that may assist individuals in obtaining, or establishing rights to, and filing claims or complaints regarding, pension and other retirement benefits; "(D) provides information on sources of pension and other retirement benefits; "(E) establishes a system to make referrals for legal services and other advocacy programs; "(F) establishes a system of referral to Federal, State, and local departments or agencies related to pension and other retirement benefits; "(G) provides a sufficient number of staff positions (including volunteer positions) to ensure information, counseling, referral, and assistance regarding pension and other retirement benefits; "(H) provides training programs for staff members, including volunteer staff members, of pension and other retirement benefits programs;

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