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Introduction
From our perspective, New Hampshire business owners who manage retirement or welfare benefit plans for employees often face a challenge that goes beyond investments and payrolls—they need to secure the right protection for the funds they oversee. That’s where the ERISA Bond Policy – New Hampshire comes in. This federally mandated surety bond is designed to protect the assets of employee benefit plans from fraud, theft, or other dishonest acts committed by those who handle plan funds.
ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) requires fiduciaries or anyone who has access to a plan’s assets to be bonded at a value equal to at least 10% of the total plan funds, with a minimum of $1,000. This bond isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement that plays a key role in ensuring trust and accountability in benefit plan management. Just as the City of Reno, NV – Excavation Permit ($5,000) Bond ensures public land is restored after digging, the ERISA bond guarantees employees aren’t left vulnerable by fiduciary misconduct.
Employers and administrators want peace of mind when managing retirement assets. This bond helps provide it—while ensuring compliance with federal law and protecting everyone involved.
Common Misunderstandings About ERISA Bond Compliance
We’ve noticed that many fiduciaries and plan administrators think general insurance covers them for all employee benefit issues, but it doesn’t. The ERISA bond is a separate requirement that must be in place for anyone handling plan assets. It’s not a substitute for liability coverage or malpractice insurance—it’s a federally mandated protection against loss of plan funds through fraud or dishonesty.
Some small businesses assume the bond only applies to large retirement plans, which isn’t true. Even small health plans or dental reimbursement accounts may be subject to bonding requirements under ERISA. And unlike the New Hampshire – Anytime Fitness Franchise Health Club ($25,000) Bond, which is required at the state level for fitness clubs, the ERISA bond is enforced under federal law and applies nationwide.
Failing to comply can result in Department of Labor penalties, enforcement actions, or the disqualification of the plan. Swiftbonds helps employers avoid those outcomes by providing compliant ERISA bond coverage that meets federal standards, every time.
How Swiftbonds Helps New Hampshire Employers Stay Protected
Based on our experience, the ERISA bond application process is often misunderstood—but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Swiftbonds provides clarity and confidence to plan administrators by offering fast, compliant, and affordable ERISA bond solutions throughout New Hampshire.
We assist fiduciaries in understanding what their plan requires, issue bonds at competitive rates, and guide them through renewals. Whether your business is based in Concord, Manchester, or Keene, Swiftbonds can handle your ERISA bonding needs with ease and speed—just as we assist with municipal bonds like the City of Reno, NV – Excavation Permit ($5,000) Bond for out-of-state clients.
Our ERISA bond coverage:
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Meets Department of Labor regulations
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Is approved by the U.S. Treasury as an acceptable surety
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Protects plan participants and beneficiaries
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Helps businesses avoid fines and legal exposure
What We’ve Discovered Is That Following These Steps Simplifies ERISA Bonds
What we’ve discovered is that most employers can secure the correct ERISA bond quickly when they follow a few simple steps:
- Determine the Total Plan Assets – Your bond must equal at least 10% of the plan’s value. For example, if your 401(k) has $500,000 in assets, you need a $50,000 bond.
- Apply Through a Trusted Provider Like Swiftbonds – We only need basic business information to begin and can issue bonds for both first-time and renewing plans.
- Receive Your ERISA Bond Certificate – We’ll email or mail the official bond certificate. You can file this with your plan records or share it with your CPA or third-party administrator.
- Renew Annually to Stay Compliant – ERISA bonds must be maintained for as long as the plan operates. Swiftbonds sends out renewal reminders so your protection never lapses.
These steps are straightforward, but they’re critical for protecting your business and your employees.
Why Lack of ERISA Compliance Can Hurt Your Business
In our observation, many small and mid-size employers delay bonding until it’s too late—usually after an audit notice or request from a third-party administrator. At that point, not having an ERISA Bond Policy – New Hampshire can jeopardize the validity of the entire benefit plan.
The Department of Labor has authority to investigate and enforce ERISA compliance. Businesses that fail to maintain proper bonding can be hit with steep penalties and forced to reimburse employees for losses that might occur due to fraud or mishandling. Beyond legal exposure, failure to comply damages employee trust.
Much like operating without the New Hampshire – Anytime Fitness Franchise Health Club ($25,000) Bond exposes fitness centers to enforcement actions and license suspension, skipping the ERISA bond puts your company at real financial risk. Swiftbonds helps employers avoid those missteps by making compliance seamless.
New Hampshire Bonding Requirements and Federal ERISA Oversight
While the ERISA bond is a federal requirement, it applies to fiduciaries operating in all 50 states—including New Hampshire. The bond must be written by a surety company listed on the U.S. Treasury Department’s Circular 570 and approved to write ERISA bonds.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department does not oversee ERISA bonds directly but recognizes the federal enforcement of this requirement. Employers managing plan funds in New Hampshire must comply with the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor.
If your business also operates construction projects or contracts with local governments, keep in mind that New Hampshire enforces public works bonds under its own Little Miller Act (RSA 447:16). Swiftbonds helps companies meet both federal and state obligations across these domains—whether it’s bonding for a retirement plan or for work in cities like Nashua or Portsmouth.
Conclusion
We’ve come to appreciate that the ERISA Bond Policy – New Hampshire isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about protecting your employees, your business, and the financial integrity of your benefit plans. Whether you’re overseeing a 401(k), a profit-sharing arrangement, or a health reimbursement account, bonding compliance is a legal responsibility and a sign of professional care.
Swiftbonds takes the complexity out of ERISA bonding. We provide fast, affordable, and compliant bond solutions that meet Department of Labor standards and help you stay on the right track. If you’re managing retirement plans in New Hampshire—or need bonding for construction or retail licenses like the New Hampshire – Anytime Fitness Franchise Health Club ($25,000) Bond or a City of Reno, NV – Excavation Permit ($5,000) Bond—Swiftbonds can deliver exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ERISA Bond Policy in New Hampshire?
We’ve often noticed that business owners believe this is optional. It’s not. The ERISA bond protects employee benefit plans from fraud or dishonesty committed by those who handle plan funds.
Who is required to obtain an ERISA bond?
We’ve often noticed confusion around fiduciary roles. Anyone who has access to a benefit plan’s funds—including HR managers, plan sponsors, or third-party administrators—must be bonded under ERISA rules.
How much bond coverage is needed under ERISA?
We’ve often noticed uncertainty about bond limits. The required bond must equal at least 10% of the total plan assets, with a minimum bond amount of $1,000. Higher limits are required for larger plans.
Is this bond the same as fiduciary liability insurance?
We’ve often noticed this misconception. No. The ERISA bond is a surety bond, not insurance. It only covers losses from fraud or dishonesty—not errors or poor investment decisions.
Can Swiftbonds help me with other bonding needs in New Hampshire?
We’ve often noticed companies looking for a single source. Yes. Swiftbonds issues all types of compliance bonds, including the New Hampshire – Anytime Fitness Franchise Health Club ($25,000) Bond, municipal permit bonds, and bonds for contractors across New Hampshire.