General Research
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Web Site
Interesting information and the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which I should have looked at a long time ago.
FedWorld
Search engines of all on-line federal government news and information.
Government Printing Office Index
The United States GPO’s extensive publication index, with links to the publications of other government agencies.
Government Information Sharing Project
The same demographic information you’d find on the government sites, but pre-sifted. From Oregon University.
National Center for Health Statistics
The National Center for Health Statistics has mortality, health care coverage and expenditures, all that good stuff it takes hours to wade through but is very relevant for retirement planning. Also links to other federal stat keepers.
“Thomas” at the Library of Congress
Bills, laws, the congressional record. These are the regulations “on the hoof” if you care to try translating them yourself. Good luck.
Villanova University School of Law Compass
Search engines to find federal, state, and international statues on the web. I haven’t used it but it looks good.
Finding the Regulations
U. S. Department of Labor
Of course. All of the Fed sites are nicely organized and this is no exception. This site will provide the DOL information you need or steer you to appropriate DOL agency.
DOL Elaws Advisors
The DOL's interactive database helps you understand “rights and responsibilities under the employment laws and regulations administered by the DOL.” Key in your question and you're off. Sub-sections on Retirement and Health Benefits, Safety and Health, and Wages, Hours, etc.
DOL - Employee Benefits Security Administration
The EBSA (formerly the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration—it’s always scary when the Feds start changing names, so pay attention!) deals with 401(k), ERISA, COBRA, mental health parity, and most employee benefit stuff, including Fiduciary-related information.
DOL - Health Plan Consumer Information
That says it. Handy to see what the DOL expects from health plans.
DOL - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Another very thorough DOL site. There are sections for news releases, regulations, a library for on-line manuals, and an Outreach section for technical links, training, small businesses, and so on.
Employee Retirement Income Security Program
ERISA in all its glory. From Cornell’s Legal Information Institute.
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FASB is meant “to establish and improve standards of financial accounting and reporting for the guidance and education of the public, including issuers, auditors, and users of financial information.”
Internal Revenue Service
Regulations, forms, you name it. A lot of good information.
National Labor Relations Board
If you have to deal with labor issues, this is a very good site to go to.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
.
This is the spot for pension plan regulations. Also “Pension Search” which lists people with pensions but can't be located by their companies.
Social Security Administration
Everything you want to know about what’s left to your benefits. Or go right to the Retirement Benefits
brochure (Publication No. 05-10035).
Focus on Specific Issues
CobraHelp.com
Cobrahelp.com offers a number of subscription publications on COBRA. Nice updates and a good Q&A section.
The Americans with Disabilities Act Document Center
Duncan C. Kinder, with the help of several Ohio-based organizations, has put together a ton of information on the ADA. Regulations, manuals, and helpful links are included.