NEW YORK (Bloomberg) — American International Group Inc., the insurer that got a $150 billion bailout from the US federal government, is ending deferred compensation plans and paying employees from the funds ahead of schedule to retain staff.

Many AIG employees are concerned about obtaining money they're entitled to under the plans, which typically pay out only when an employee retires or leaves the company, spokesman Nick Ashooh said in an e-mailed statement.

"AIG is concerned that employees will leave AIG so they can obtain their deferred pay," Ashooh said. New York-based AIG said the 14 deferred compensation plans being terminated hold funds belonging to 6,200 AIG employees, independent agents and representatives. The money will be distributed in the first quarter of 2009.

AIG employs over 200 people in its Bermuda-based operations.