--- title: The ABCs of Uncashed 401(k) Distribution Checks description: This video presentation is designed to give the viewer a basic understanding of the problem of uncashed 401(k) distribution checks. image: https://embedwistia-a.akamaihd.net/deliveries/30d809825904fef3dd692fc1f8819d883bfbfec9.jpg?image_crop_resized=640x480 --- [![Retirement Clearinghouse Logo](https://blog.rch1.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Retirement_Clearinghouse_May2022/images/logo.png?width=1000&height=648&name=logo.png "Retirement Clearinghouse Logo")](https://rch1.com/) [Privacy Policy](https://securities.rch1.com/common/PrivacyStatement.pdf) [Sponsors/Service Providers](https://rch1.com/plan-sponsors) [Individuals](https://rch1.com/individuals) [Login](https://rch1.com/#) - [Home](https://rch1.com/home-page) - [Individuals](https://rch1.com/individuals) - [Individuals Home](https://rch1.com/individuals/individuals-home) - [Who is RCH?](https://rch1.com/individuals/who-is-rch) - [Why Does RCH Have My Retirement Savings?](https://rch1.com/individuals/why-does-rch-have-my-retirement-funds) - 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We're Wistia. We provide business video hosting to attract, engage, and delight [Learn More](https://wistia.com)     ![Wistia video thumbnail - The_ABCs_of_Uncashed_Checks_DRAFT](https://embedwistia-a.akamaihd.net/deliveries/ae797a4547c386dac5ebc0e26ff11fcdc389de87.jpg?image_crop_resized=640x480) [About Wistia](https://wistia.com/about-wistia?utm_type=player&utm_product=host&utm_campaign=songs-about-wistia&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=wistia&about=362035)Report a problemCopy link and thumbnail   Thanks for reporting a problem. We'll attach technical data about this session to help us figure out the issue. Which of these best describes the problem? Choose one Video plays but frequently stutters Video has poor quality Video fails to play Other Any other details or context?   Cancel Send message               This video presentation is designed to give the viewer a basic understanding of the problem of uncashed 401(k) distribution checks. **What are uncashed distribution checks, and why should I care?** Uncashed distribution checks occur when retirement plan participants fail to cash or deposit a distribution from their qualified retirement savings account, for a variety of reasons, including: Uncashed distribution checks are a growing problem for plan sponsors, as the numbers of small-balance accounts and separated participants grow. For qualified plans, uncashed distribution checks can represent a fiduciary liability, since the amounts must be considered plan assets until the check is cashed or otherwise resolved. Over time, the numbers of uncashed checks can mount, along with the administrative burden and fiduciary risk. Plans can take steps to minimize the incidence of uncashed distribution checks, as well as to resolve the situations that inevitably occur. **Why do uncashed distribution checks occur?** Uncashed, or stale-dated checks typically occur under the following circumstances: These problems can persist, as plan sponsors will often have incorrect address information, and neither alternate payees nor beneficiaries can be found.  **Why are uncashed distribution checks considered a problem?** **How can plan sponsors effectively deal with uncashed distribution checks?** Solutions that Resolve Existing, Uncashed Distribution Checks: Preventive Solutions that Minimize the Incidence of Uncashed Distribution Checks: **Where can I get additional information:** For more information, visit: [https://info.rch1.com/rch-uncashed-check-service](https://info.rch1.com/rch-uncashed-check-service) [https://www.rch1.com/stale-dated-checks](https://www.rch1.com/stale-dated-checks)  [Back](https://blog.rch1.com/blog) [![Retirement Clearinghouse An RLJ Company](https://blog.rch1.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Retirement_Clearinghouse_May2022/images/footer_logo.png?width=1000&height=648&name=footer_logo.png "Retirement Clearinghouse An RLJ Company")](https://rch1.com/) 1916 Ayrsley Town Boulevard Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28273 - [Individuals](https://rch1.com/individuals) - [Plan Sponsors](https://rch1.com/plan-sponsors) - [Auto Portability](https://rch1.com/auto-portability) - [Company](https://rch1.com/company) - [News & Information](https://rch1.com/news) - [Mission](https://rch1.com/company/mission) - [Careers](https://rch1.com/company/careers) - [Contact Us](https://rch1.com/contact-us) - [Logins](https://rch1.com/#) - [Disclosure Central](https://rch1.com/individuals/learning-center/resources-%26-downloads) - [Do Not Sell or Share](https://blog.rch1.com/blog/the-abcs-of-uncashed-401k-distribution-checks#decline-cookies) - [My Personal Information](https://blog.rch1.com/blog/the-abcs-of-uncashed-401k-distribution-checks#decline-cookies) - - - Individuals should consult their tax advisers or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. 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