Postretirement Benefits
Accounting glossary · Understand, connect, apply
Postretirement benefits are benefits provided after retirement, such as pensions, healthcare or life insurance, depending on the arrangement.
Example
An employer promises qualifying retirees medical coverage and evaluates the related benefit obligation and expense.
Remember the difference
Non-pension benefits may also create significant obligations. Recognition and measurement depend on the applicable reporting standard and plan terms.
Updated 3 November 2026. Examples are simplified for learning. Where a term depends on US law, IFRS, US GAAP or a historical rule, check the context explained above and the requirements relevant to your course.
Study references: OpenStax financial accounting and managerial accounting. For reporting requirements, consult the applicable IFRS Standards or FASB guidance. US tax terms should be checked against the relevant tax-year IRS instructions.
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