The things it is invested in are separate from the company administering it...the $ are in those assets (stocks/funds) and will simply be transferred to whoever looks after them in the future.
I have a claim on a car insurance policy with AIG. What are the chances of this claim being met?
You own your 401k so when you leave your employer you still own your 401k. You can either leave it where it is or you can move it to which ever company manages the 401k investments for your new employer. how do i git access to my 401k from this company so i can transfer or cash it in.
You still own it.
It disapperars!
What happens if you leave the company is one find here here http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/retirement/5-things-you-should-know-about-your-401k-7925/
The Plan Administrator for your 401K can be any number of people. It could be the employer, an executive at the company or someone that was hired specifically for that job.
i lost track of my 401k in 1997 and dont know the company that had the 401k plan
i need to know about my 401k
The best option usually is to do a direct roll-over from the 401k to an IRA. You can get forms from your 401k company or the new financial institution where you want to put your money. If you do not already have an IRA, the 401k company can help you set up an account.
The company are required to provide this information. If it is a larger company they usually send a booklet to all of the 401K employees which mentions where the money is going.
Money that you have put in a 401k is your money. If the company matched any portion then you typical will need to be employed to for a set amount of time to be vested, normally 7 years, in order to get the company matched portion. If you are no longer with the company then the custodial company for your 401k may charge you a service fee to maintain your account.
Your 401k account will get rolled over to your next employee if you lose your job.