### Question
Can you define what 1-year break in service means?


### Answer
**1-year break in service** is defined as the following in *29 U.S.C. § 1053*:

> a calendar year, plan year, or other 12-consecutive-month period designated by the plan (and not prohibited under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) during which the participant has not completed more than 500 hours of service

#### Citation:
  - *29 U.S.C. § 1053*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 18-EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER I-PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS > Subtitle B-Regulatory Provisions > part 2-participation and vesting**

