### Question
How does PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS define participant?


### Answer
Under *29 U.S.C. § 1002*, **participant** is defined as:

> any employee or former employee of an employer, or any member or former member of an employee organization, who is or may become eligible to receive a benefit of any type from an employee benefit plan which covers employees of such employer or members of such organization, or whose beneficiaries may be eligible to receive any such benefit

#### Citation:
  - *29 U.S.C. § 1002*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 17-COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS > SUBCHAPTER I-PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS > Subtitle A-General Provisions**

