If you participated in a retirement plan, a pension plan, a 401(k) plan, a thrift savings plan, a profit-sharing plan, or any other type of deferred compensation plan, it is absolutely critical that you have all the documents that describe the plan and your participation in the plan, the status of your account, and how your termination affects your participation in these plans. One important document to which you are entitled is the summary plan description. Another is the individual benefit statement which tells if you are vested and lists your accrued benefits-the amount of your pension at age 65. Study all plan documents thoroughly. Talk to human resources personnel. But you should not rely on oral promises. If there is any doubt concerning your rights, write to the plan administrator for a written explanation. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, contact a lawyer.