Which department generally administers defined benefit plans?

Defined benefit plans are retirement plans where an employer promises to pay a specified monthly benefit upon retirement, based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. The administration of these plans often falls under the purview of the Benefits department. This is primarily because the Benefits department specializes in managing employee benefit programs, including retirement plans, health insurance, and other employee welfare benefits.

The Benefits department is typically equipped with the necessary expertise to navigate the complex regulations governing defined benefit plans and to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. They are also responsible for communicating with employees about their defined benefit options and managing the enrollment processes, which are vital components of such plans.

While Human Resources plays a significant role in overall employee management and recruitment, and Payroll handles the processing of payroll data and compensation, it is the Benefits department that has the specific focus on the administration of benefits, making it the correct choice in this context.