A Practice Note analyzing the penalty provisions under Section 502(c)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ERISA Section 502(c)(1) penalties can be imposed on plan administrators that fail or refuse to provide certain plan-related documents in response to a participant's or beneficiary's written request. Participants and beneficiaries often seek ERISA Section 502(c)(1) penalties in litigated benefits disputes under ERISA.