Consider a request as containing an improper signature and process accordingly if:
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•
An “X” mark is not witnessed or not properly witnessed.
NOTE: If the signature of at least one witness is given, the “X” mark may be accepted
as properly witnessed.
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•
The plan participant's signature is typed, stamped, pre-printed, or hand-printed.
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•
It appears a third party signed and initialed the signature on the request.
Other than the actual plan participant, only the court-appointed legal guardian of
an incompetent individual may request or authorize the release of information from
the individual's records.
If the individual is deceased, a surviving relative or the legal representative of
an estate may request or authorize the release of information from the deceased plan
participant's pension record after proof of death is established.