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Preparing You to Make Your Pension Benefit Decision 
 

Last year, Robert Bosch LLC (“Bosch”) decided to transfer the Bosch Pension Plan (the “Plan”), including plans previously merged into it, to a qualified insurance provider. This process is part of a plan termination. You are now being offered a window of opportunity to choose how and when to receive payment of the pension benefit you earned. 

This is an important decision that requires much thought, consideration, and action to make the best decision for your personal and financial needs. Don’t wait to take your next steps:

  • Review the educational resources provided on this site;
  • Take advantage of the free support available; and
  • Complete all the necessary steps to submit your election — this often requires several steps beyond filling out your election form.

 

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Is there something we haven't covered yet? Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions.

Your options to receive your pension benefit

One-time lump sum now

Choose one of the following single payments:

  • 100% Direct Rollover to an IRA or 401(k)
  • 100% Cash Payment
  • Split Payment between a direct rollover and cash

Monthly annuity now

  • Ongoing income instead of a lump-sum payment
  • This option is not available if your pension benefit is under $7,000

Defer your benefit

  • Receive payments later
  • This is the default election if you don’t take action

Key dates

July 7, 2025: Election deadline

Completed forms and required documentation must be postmarked or uploaded no later than July 7, 2025.

August 1, 2025: Payment date

If you decide to take a lump sum or start a monthly annuity now, your benefit will be paid or your payments will start on August 1, 2025, or as soon as administratively possible after that date.


Learn more about the opportunity


We are providing you with many resources to help you make the best financial decision for you and your family. Review the materials and watch the video for details about your options.

In May, your personalized election kit will be sent in the mail. It includes:

  • Decision Guide  
  • Personalized Payment Options   
  • Required Forms to be Completed
  • Reply Envelope

 

 

 


Review key considerations


Everyone’s financial situation is unique. Review the key considerations below to help you weigh your options based on your individual needs.

    Lump Sum Rollover


    If you choose a lump sum rollover…

    Ask yourself the following questions to ensure a direct rollover is right for your financial situation:

    • When can I access these funds?

      You can access your lump sum from your rollover account anytime but need to pay all applicable taxes on the withdrawal.

    • Who is responsible for investing these assets?

      After rollover, you are responsible for the risk and costs of investing. Investing requires that you are comfortable with the risk that these funds could lose money, and thus, lower your potential retirement income.

    • When do I pay taxes?

      If you roll over your lump sum into another qualified retirement plan or traditional IRA, you continue to defer taxes until you make a withdrawal. However, if you roll over your lump sum to a Roth IRA, you are required to pay taxes on the amount rolled. Review the Special Tax Notice Regarding Plan Payments enclosed in your personalized package, which provides important information about rollovers and taxes.

    • How do I make sure that funds last for my retirement?

      You are responsible for the timing and size of any withdrawal, and thus, it is your responsibility to ensure that your funds can last for your lifetime.

    • What protections are offered to my spouse or beneficiary?

      You can leave any remaining money to your spouse or beneficiary, but it is your responsibility to ensure there are enough assets to meet any financial needs for your spouse and/or beneficiary.

    Lump Sum Cash Payment


    If you choose a lump sum cash payment…

    Ask yourself the following questions to ensure a cash payment is right for your financial situation:

    • When can I access these funds?

      You can access your lump sum now (reduced by applicable taxes).

    • Who is responsible for investing these assets?

      You may direct a lump-sum cash payment in any way you choose. This includes the opportunity to invest some, or all of the distribution. You are responsible for the risk and costs of investing. Investing requires that you are comfortable with the risk that these funds could lose money, and thus, lower your potential retirement income.

    • When do I pay taxes?

      You pay taxes immediately on the full amount taken as a lump sum. Also, any distribution may include tax penalties for early withdrawal. Review the Special Tax Notice Regarding Plan Payments enclosed in your personalized package, which provides important information about taxes.

    • How do I make sure that the funds last for my retirement?

      You are responsible for the timing and size of any withdrawal, and thus, it is your responsibility to ensure that your funds can last for your lifetime.

    • What protections are offered to my spouse or beneficiary?

      You can leave any remaining money to your spouse or beneficiary, but it is your responsibility to ensure there are enough assets to meet any financial needs for your spouse and/or beneficiary.

    Monthly Annuity


    If you choose an immediate monthly annuity…

    Ask yourself the following questions to ensure a monthly annuity is right for your financial situation:

    • When can I access these funds?

      You can choose to receive your benefit now in monthly installments. Note that by starting your benefit early, the monthly payments are smaller as they are paid over a longer period of time.

    • Who is responsible for investing these assets?

      Bosch, and then, a qualified insurer are responsible for the inherent risk of investing.

    • When do I pay taxes?

      You are taxed as you receive your monthly benefit.

    • How do I make sure the funds last for my retirement?

      Bosch, and later, a qualified insurer has the responsibility that you will receive your monthly income for as long as you live.

    • What protections are offered to my spouse or eligible beneficiary? 

      The Plan offers options for your spouse or eligible beneficiary to continue to receive a part of your pension if they outlive you. These options are shown on your Pension Option form.

    Defer Your Benefit


    If you defer your benefit…

    Your benefit will be deferred until you elect to begin, and a lump-sum option will not be available to you in the future, in most cases. Your benefit will be sent to a qualified insurance company that will provide future annuity payments. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure deferring your benefit is right for your financial situation:

    • When can I access these funds?

      You can access your monthly annuity anytime, but are required to submit an application in order to start your monthly benefit.

    • Who is responsible for investing these assets?

      A qualified insurer will be responsible for the inherent risk of investing.

    • When do I pay taxes?

      You are taxed as you receive your monthly benefit.

    • How do I make sure the funds last for my retirement?

      Bosch, and later, a qualified insurer has the responsibility to ensure that you will receive your monthly income for as long as you live.

    • What protections are offered to my spouse or eligible beneficiary?

      The plan offers options for your spouse or eligible beneficiary to continue to receive a part of your pension if they outlive you. These options are shown on your Pension Option form and will again be shown when you apply. In addition, if married, and you die before starting your pension, your spouse may be eligible for a spousal benefit. Refer to your SPD for details on this additional benefit.

     

     

    Get free support
     

     

    Fidelity can help you evaluate the financial impact of your decision.

    Fidelity representatives can also provide broader retirement planning support—all at no cost to you.


    The Bosch Pension Center can help you understand the information about this opportunity included in your personalized packet.

    Call 855-681-4801 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, for questions about your pension benefit.

    How to make your election

    Please allow ample time to complete all election steps.


  • Choose your payment option.
     


  • Review the applicable pension checklist

    and make sure you’ve completed all required forms.


  • Submit completed forms and required documentation

    by mail or online, postmarked or uploaded by July 7, 2025.

    Upload to MyPlansConnect 

     


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    Additional resources

    Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

    This information is intended to be educational and is not tailored to the investment, financial or tax-planning needs of any specific investor.

    Fidelity retail products and services are offered separately from your employer-sponsored retirement plan.

    A link to third-party material is included for your convenience. The content owner is not affiliated with Fidelity and is solely responsible for the information and services it provides. Fidelity disclaims any liability arising from your use of such information or services. Review the new site's terms, conditions, and privacy policy, as they will be different from those of Fidelity's sites.

    The third parties mentioned herein and Fidelity Investments are independent entities and are not legally affiliated.

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