How long has Karla been a member of her defined-benefit pension plan?

To determine the length of time Karla has been a member of her defined-benefit pension plan, it's important to consider the implications of the plan's structure and typical membership duration. Defined-benefit plans often have vesting periods and specific timelines for benefit accumulation.

If Karla has been a member for 18 months, it suggests that she has likely met or is nearing important milestones regarding her pension benefits, such as eligibility for certain benefits or the accruing of pension credits. This time frame is substantial enough to imply that she has integrated into the system and may already exhibit established pension entitlement, which provides additional context about her relationship with the plan.

Membership durations for pension plans can vary significantly, but an 18-month membership duration is realistic as it’s common for employees to stay within their jobs (and thus their pension plans) for a period of one to two years before considering major life or employment changes, especially in defined-benefit plans where loyalty and longevity are often rewarded.

Understanding this context helps clarify why the answer of 18 months is plausible as a length of membership in a defined-benefit pension plan compared to the other durations provided, which may not align as well with standard employment and pension plan engagement typically seen in such scenarios.