This booklet was written to help readers understand how the Retirement Equity Act of 1984 makes it easier for both women and men to collect retirement benefits under private pension plans. Since women have had special problems in the pension area, it emphasizes how the retirement law works to their advantage by preventing loss of coverage during leaves of absence, providing the chance to build up credits toward a pension at an earlier age, and actually increasing benefits through marital provisions. Because the provisions of the legislation are best understood within the context of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), provisions of ERISA are briefly reviewed. Provisions of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984 are listed and elaborated on, with special emphasis on their impact on women. Discussed are: (1) ways that the Act benefits workers in general and women in particular; (2) benefits for spouses and former spouses; (3) special rules for some vested former employees; (4) lump sum payments; (5) effective dates of the Act; (6) information about pension plans; (7) a study of women and pensions; (8) pensions as only a part of retirement income; (9) planning for retirement; and (10) facts on women and pensions. A glossary of terms and a list of names and addresses for regional offices of the Women's Bureau are included. (NB)