If you want to familiarize yourself with the retirement and benefit plan environment in the US – learning how to use Free ERISA will change the game. FreeERISA is a free, publicly available, powerful search tool to obtain searchable data from millions of Form 5500 filings to inform you about employer-sponsored retirement and welfare benefit plans across the nation. If you are a financial advisor, benefits consultant, compliance professional, or conducting market research, FreeERISA is a great way to find credible, detailed plan data quickly and efficiently.
This expert guide will cover everything you need to know to utilize FreeERISA effectively, including registration, search filters, interpreting the results, and using advanced tools, such as Deluxe Search. By the end, you’ll understand how to unlock valuable information that’s often overlooked—but critical in the world of benefits and compliance.
What Is FreeERISA – and Why Learning How to Use Free ERISA Matters
FreeERISA is a data access tool developed by Judy Diamond Associates to improve free access to the data required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)—including the very-common Form 5500 filings that employers must file each year for their retirement (e.g., 401(k)) and health benefit plans.
The site collects and has access to over 2.6 million Form 5500 filings from more than 1 million plan sponsors and gives users free and easy access to the data they need for research, compliance, plans, compliance, and competitive analysis.
Who Should Learn How to Use Free ERISA?
- Financial Advisors looking for plan prospects
- Insurance Brokers evaluating competition
- Corporate Compliance Teams reviewing internal filings
- Researchers & Analysts seeking market insights
- Business Development Professionals identifying employer trends
How to Use Free ERISA: Getting Started Step by Step
Step 1: Register for a Free Account
Although the core features are free, you must register to use the database. Visit https://freeerisa.benefitspro.com, click on “Sign up” and provide basic information like name, email, and company affiliation.
⚠️ Note: FreeERISA is designed for professional use. While casual users are welcome, many features cater to advisors and benefits experts.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Criteria
Once logged in, navigate to the search interface. You can search using:
- Company Name (partial or full)
- Form 5500 Filing data
- ZIP Code or State
- Plan Type (401(k), health, life, pension, etc.)
You can also apply filters before hitting “Search” to narrow your results. For example:
- Select State to limit filings to a geographic region
- Choose Plan Type to focus only on 401(k) or health plans
- Enter ZIP Code to drill down into local employers
These filters are especially useful when identifying competitor plans in a specific region or industry.
Navigating the Search Results
Once your search returns results, you’ll see a table of filings. Each result includes:
- Company Name
- Plan Name
- Plan Type
- Filing Year
- Assets and Participants
Click on any result to view the actual Form 5500 filing. These documents often include:
- Plan funding structure
- Number of active participants
- Service providers and advisors
- Investment breakdowns
Example: Searching for “Tesla” in California with plan type 401(k) reveals detailed filings that show the scale of their retirement offerings.
Unlocking More with Deluxe Search
FreeERISA also offers a Deluxe Search feature for $14.95, which provides access to advanced tools and data, including:
Features in Deluxe Search:
- Top Hat Filings (executive compensation plans)
- Form 5310 (termination filings)
- Custom filters by plan assets, participant count, and more
- Export tools for saving search results
This upgrade is highly recommended for users who need deeper insights for business development or competitive benchmarking.
Practical Use Cases
For Financial Advisors:
Identify underperforming plans or underserved regions to target new prospects.
For Analysts:
Track year-over-year changes in plan assets or participant numbers.
For HR and Compliance:
Verify your organization’s filings against public records.
Tip: Use ZIP code + plan type filters to identify local opportunities with specific plan structures, such as self-funded health plans or defined benefit pension schemes.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Is Free ERISA really free?
Yes—for basic searches and access to Form 5500 filings. Deluxe Search is a paid upgrade for advanced features.
What years are covered?
Data typically covers filings from 1999 to present, updated monthly.
Can I export data?
Basic users cannot, but Deluxe subscribers can export results for further analysis.
Is there training available?
Yes, the official FAQ section offers detailed guidance on features and usage.
Final Thoughts: Why Free ERISA Deserves Your Attention
In a digital era where data is power, FreeERISA gives professionals a crucial edge in understanding the retirement and benefits market. Its accessible interface, rich dataset, and smart filtering make it a go-to resource for ERISA professionals.
With over two decades of filings at your fingertips, learning how to use FreeERISA effectively can enhance client research, streamline compliance, and surface new business opportunities—all from a single, centralized tool.
If you’re serious about benefits intelligence, this is a platform worth mastering.
If you’re trying to locate a past retirement plan, this practical guide on how to find your old 401(k) walks you through the process of recovering lost or forgotten accounts, including tips on using public databases and contacting plan administrators.
Sources
- FreeERISA official site: https://freeerisa.benefitspro.com
- FreeERISA Help & FAQ: https://freeerisa.benefitspro.com/help/Default.aspx
