Federal ERISA Policy New Hampshire Bond
Overview
Running a retirement or benefit plan in New Hampshire? Federal law requires that anyone who handles funds or property of an ERISA-covered plan be bonded — and that requirement applies regardless of the size of your organization. This is a federally mandated fidelity bond, not a state license requirement, designed to protect plan participants from losses caused by fraud or dishonesty. If you administer, manage, or have custody of plan assets, you need this bond before you act.
Who Needs This Bond?
Plan administrators, trustees, and officers who handle funds for ERISA-covered employee benefit plans in New Hampshire are the primary applicants. This includes small business owners who sponsor a 401(k) or pension plan and personally manage plan assets, as well as HR professionals or company officers with signatory authority over plan accounts. If your role gives you access to — or control over — plan funds, ERISA requires you to be bonded for at least 10% of the plan assets you handle.
What is this Bond For?
This bond protects employee benefit plan participants against financial losses resulting from fraudulent or dishonest acts by the individuals who handle plan funds. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) mandates this coverage as a baseline safeguard for workers whose retirement, health, or welfare benefits depend on honest plan management. It is not an optional add-on — it is a federal compliance requirement enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor. The bond covers the plan itself, not your business, and must be in place before you handle any plan assets.
When is it Required?
Bonding is required before a plan fiduciary or fund handler begins exercising control over ERISA plan assets — it is not something you apply for after the fact. The U.S. Department of Labor can request proof of bonding during an audit or plan review, and failure to maintain the bond exposes the individual and the plan sponsor to federal civil liability. Most plan administrators secure this bond when a new benefit plan is established or when their role changes to include direct handling of plan funds. If your plan already exists and you are not currently bonded, you are out of compliance and need to act immediately.
Where Does it Apply?
This is a federally governed bond required under ERISA, so it applies nationwide — but this listing is specifically configured for plan handlers operating in New Hampshire. The bond must meet federal minimum coverage standards set by the U.S. Department of Labor. State laws do not override or replace the federal bonding requirement.
How to Buy Online
Click 'Buy This Bond Online' to open the secure surety portal in a new tab, where you can complete your application and purchase your Federal ERISA bond for New Hampshire quickly and entirely online. The portal walks you through each required field, and your bond documentation is issued digitally so you can present it for compliance purposes without delay. No agent callback, no waiting — complete the process in minutes.
Why Bond Titan?
Bond Titan is powered by The Southern Agency, a trusted name in surety, giving you access to a nationwide bond catalog through a fast, self-service online platform. You do not need to schedule a meeting or wait on a broker to get your ERISA bond issued — everything happens online, on your timeline. If you have been told you need this bond, Bond Titan is the fastest path from requirement to compliance.