In general, if you have 5 years of Vesting Service, you are eligible for a pension. However, if you did not earn more than one hour of service after 1998 (Class 1059 Participants) or June 30, 1999 (Class 75 Participants), you must have 10 years of Vesting Service in order to be vested. Please refer to the appropriate Summary Plan Description for your Union Local for details on Vesting Service.

You may earn a year or portion of a year of Benefit Service for each calendar year in which your employer contributes to the Plan on your behalf. The contributions are paid based on your hours worked, and those hours become Benefit Service. The Benefit Service earned is then multiplied by the Benefit Rate in effect for the relevant year of service. There are detailed schedules setting forth the necessary hours to qualify for a year, or portion of a year, of Benefit Service. Please refer to the appropriate Summary Plan Description for your Union Local for details on Benefit Service and Benefit Rates.

If you qualify for a pension, Normal Retirement age is 65. This is the age that your pension is paid in full, with no penalty for an early distribution. In some cases, you could be eligible to draw your pension as early as age 55, but the benefit amount may be reduced. Please refer to the appropriate Summary Plan Description for your Union Local for details on Benefit Service and Benefit Rates.

This Plan offers a "Defined Benefit" pension. It is generally payable in the form of a monthly benefit beginning at retirement age. In some cases, the amount earned could qualify for a lump sum cash payment. Lump sum cash payments are required if the total present value of your anticipated pension payments is less than $1,000. In certain circumstances, if the lump sum present value of your pension benefit is $5,000 or less but greater than $1,000, you may be able to elect in writing to receive a lump sum cash payout or a direct rollover. Please refer to the appropriate Summary Plan Description for your Union Local for details on Benefit Service and Benefit Rates.

The Plan pays survivor benefits to a surviving spouse subject to certain requirements. There is no option to list a non spouse beneficiary for your pension in the event you pass away. If you are married and pass away before you begin to draw your benefit, your spouse could be entitled to a benefit equal to 50% of the monthly benefit you would have been entitled to receive in the form of a 50% Joint and Survivor annuity. Once you reach retirement age, you will be provided several options to leave your spouse a portion of your pension upon your death. If your surviving spouse will receive a portion of your pension benefit, your monthly pension benefit will be smaller than if you elected a "single life" benefit. Children, other family members or friends are not eligible for any portion of your benefit.

The rules giving distributions are complex and you should consult your appropriate Summary Plan Description or contact the Pension Office with any questions.

Once you begin to draw your monthly benefit, it is considered taxable income. Federal and State tax forms will be provided to you prior to your first payment. The amount of taxes withheld, if any, will be determined based on how you complete those forms. .

When you have reached retirement age and are ready to draw your pension, contact the pension office at 800-433-1204 for an application. The application process can take a few months to complete. Please remember that you must terminate your employment with a contributing employer before benefits can be paid. Payments will begin on the first of the month after your last day of employment and receipt of your completed application. Special rules apply after you reach age 70 ½, which will require you to begin receiving benefits from the plan even if you choose to continue to work.

Once you begin to draw your monthly benefit, any changes made to your personal information, such as address changes or bank account information, must come in writing. We cannot make any changes over the phone. The forms for these changes can be found on this website, or you can call the pension office and copies will be mailed to you.

If there is a conflict between these FAQs and the provisions of the Plan document, the terms of the Plan document shall govern.