Is the lump sum option going away?
Again, deliberations have not taken place nor have decisions been made about keeping or eliminating the lump sum option. Keep in mind that even if the lump sum option were to be eliminated, it could only be eliminated for benefits earned (i.e., based on compensation and service earned) after the change is adopted. You would still be eligible for a lump sum of your accrual up to the date of the change. So, say for instance that a decision is made for the lump sum option to be eliminated on January 1, 2006, you would still be eligible to take a lump sum for the value of any benefits you earned up to that date under the terms of the Plan but not on any amounts accrued after December 31, 2005.
