---
title: "Is an ERISA Bond Required?"
description: "ERISA generally requires bonding for people who handle an employee benefit plan’s funds or property, subject to exceptions."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/is-an-erisa-bond-required"
page-type: "faq-question"
updated-at: "2026-09-25"
---

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# Is an ERISA Bond Required?

ERISA generally requires bonding for people who handle an employee benefit plan’s funds or property, subject to exceptions.

ERISA generally requires bonding for people who handle an employee benefit plan’s funds or property, subject to exceptions. The required bond protects the plan against specified dishonest acts.

DOL’s bulletin explains the handling test, who is responsible for ensuring bonding, bond form and surety requirements, and how to calculate the amount. Determine which people can cause plan property to be paid, transferred, or accessed; then check if an exemption applies. Confirm the plan is protected under the bond and document the amount, covered handlers, and renewal dates. This bond is distinct from fiduciary liability insurance.

## Related Questions

- [How Much ERISA Bond Coverage Do I Need?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/how-much-erisa-bond-coverage-do-i-need)
- [ERISA Bond vs. Fidelity Bond: What Is the Difference?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/erisa-bond-vs-fidelity-bond)
- [Is Fiduciary Liability Insurance Required?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/is-fiduciary-liability-insurance-required)
- [What Is Fiduciary Liability Insurance?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability/what-is-fiduciary-liability-insurance)

## Related Coverage

- [Fidelity bonds](https://spot.insure/coverage/fidelity-bonds)
- [Fiduciary liability](https://spot.insure/coverage/fiduciary)

## Sources

1. [Understanding Your Fiduciary Responsibilities Under a Group Health Plan](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/understanding-your-fiduciary-responsibilities-under-a-group-health-plan). U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Who Is a Fiduciary?; What Is the Significance of Being a Fiduciary?; Bonding. Accessed 2026-09-25.
2. [Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2008-04: Guidance Regarding ERISA Fidelity Bonding Requirements](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/employers-and-advisers/guidance/field-assistance-bulletins/erisa-fidelity-bonding-requirements.pdf). U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Q2 pp.2–3. Accessed 2026-09-25.
3. [Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2008-04: Guidance Regarding ERISA Fidelity Bonding Requirements](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/employers-and-advisers/guidance/field-assistance-bulletins/erisa-fidelity-bonding-requirements.pdf). U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Q5–10 pp.3–5; Q35–38 pp.18–20. Accessed 2026-09-25.

More answers: [Fiduciary Liability and ERISA Bonds FAQ](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/fiduciary-liability).

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