Under ERISA, what are "other employee benefit plans" that are not retirement plans referred to as?

The term "welfare benefits" refers to a category of employee benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) that encompasses a range of non-retirement benefits. This includes health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and other employee welfare programs designed to provide protection and support outside of retirement.

These welfare benefits are crucial as they are intended to enhance the well-being of employees and their families by providing essential services and financial support in various situations. The definition aligns with ERISA's objective to protect employees' interests in these benefit plans.

The other terms provided do not accurately capture the broad nature of employee benefits that are not retirement-related. "Annual benefits" might refer to benefits that are provided on an annual basis but doesn't specifically categorize them as employee benefits under ERISA. "Supplemental plans" typically indicates additional coverage beyond a primary plan and might not encompass the full range of welfare benefits. "Group benefits," while related, usually pertains to a specific type of benefit offered to a group, which doesn't necessarily encompass all non-retirement plans outlined by ERISA.

Therefore, the identification of these non-retirement employee benefit plans as "welfare benefits" is both specific and comprehensive, aligning with the legal framework established by ERISA