An important distinction between the two types of plans is that defined benefit plans are not portable. Changing jobs before retirement age will always result in a greatly reduced pension. Such restrictions do not normally apply to defined contribution plans provided the employee has vested. | An important distinction between the two types of plans is that defined benefit plans are not portable. Changing jobs before retirement age will always result in a greatly reduced pension. Such restrictions do not normally apply to defined contribution plans provided the employee has vested. |