Friday, February 6, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Care

Q. Who are my eligible dependents?
A.
  • Your lawful spouse
  • Your natural children up to age 26
  • Your legally adopted children up to age 26
  • Your step-children up to age 26
  • Child for whom you have been appointed legal guardian by court for length of guardianship or to age 26, which occurs first
  • Your Domestic Partner (certain rules apply - please contact Benefit Office) and Children of Domestic Partner
Q. When do I become eligible for benefits?  
A.

You will become initially eligible for benefits on the 1st date of either June, September, December or March if the Benefit Office has received a minimum of 350 hours on your behalf during the six month period specified below: 

350 Hours of Contributions During 6 Months Ending: 

March 31 ~ Coverage begins June 1 for the Insured Period of June, July & August

June 30 ~ Coverage begins September 1 for the Insured Period of September, October, November  

September 30 ~ Coverage begins December 1 for the Insured Period of December, January, February   

December 31 ~ Coverage begins March 1 for the Insured Period of March, April, May 

 

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Pension

Q.How do I become a Participant in the Plan?
A.You will become a Participant on the first day of the month in which you accrue 400 Hours in Covered Employment during a period of 12 consecutive months beginning with your first day of employment ending on your first anniversary of employment.  


Q. I am going through a divorce, what happens to my pension?
A.If your former spouse is awarded a portion of your earned benefit through the Plan, it will be necessary that you and your spouse complete a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) so that the Plan can pay benefits to your former spouse. You may contact the Benefit Office and request that a sample QDRO be provided to you.

Q.Does the Pension Plan affect Social Security benefits in any way?
A.No.

Q.Can pensions be paid or assigned or garnered to others?
A. No. Pensions cannot be assigned to a third party. The only exceptions are for payments in accordance with a "Qualified Domestic Relations Order," or on the death of the Participant to a designated beneficiary.
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Annuity

Q. Who is eligible to become a Participant in the Plan?  
A.You become a participant on the date on which you complete one hour of service in covered employment with a contributing employer.

Q.What determines the value of the accrued benefit in my Individual account? 
A.First, of course, is the amount of contributions that are paid on your behalf. This money is invested under a selection of investments that allows you to make your own investment decisions. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has selected MassMutual to assist in the day to day operations with respect to your account and to provide you with investment alternatives. Any interest or dividends is added to the contributions; changes in the value of investments also result in increases or decreases in the value of each individual account. 

Q.May I assign my benefits under the Plan?  
A.No, you may not assign your benefits unless required by law under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
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