This year, we have been experiencing more pension providers, like DFAS, that are now requiring a yearly Election of Federal Tax withholding form to be filled out. This is the tax form URTS W-4.

Some of these pension providers/administrators are taking the position that if they do not receive the completed form, by early each year, their default is to start Federal Withholding from the pension’s check. This is a pain in the neck and somewhat redundant for folks who have been receiving their pension checks for 10, 20, even 30 years and do not need the Federal Withholding from their pension checks.
This is also pushing folks to set up online pension access, which many elderly folks don’t do or even understand.