United has not yet responded to the pension agency's complaint in district court.
That move would probably swamp the pension agency, which was created in 1974.
The federal pension agency will assume responsibility for United's plans, which cover about 134,000 workers.
The pension agency will get an estimated $122 million, according to court testimony.
Each element of the plan would have a different effect on the pension agency's fortunes.
The most direct source of new money for the pension agency would be a premium increase.
According to the pension agency, this law could reduce company contributions by more than $80 billion.
Meanwhile, the pension agency says it is $3 billion in debt.
The pension agency will also spend up to $24 million to pay for commercial companies to track down the retirees, he said.
Before the pension agency's move, the company had expected to offer a plan of reorganization by early next year.
