Friday, July 11, 2025

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q.

Who administers the Plan?

A.

The Pension Plan is administered by a Board of Trustees made up equally of representatives of the Union and the Employers. The actions of the Board of Trustees in administering the Plan are governed by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust. This is an agreement between the Union and the Employer Association that requires that all money contributed to the Fund or earned by the Fund can be used only for the purpose of providing pension benefits and paying for the expenses of administering the Plan, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations. The full text of the Rules and Regulations of the Pension Plan are included in the Member Resources section of this website.

Q.

Who can receive benefits under the Plan?

A.

The Plan provides benefits to employees of Contributing Employers who perform work covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, certain employees of the Union, and individuals employed in certain capacities, such as apprenticeship coordinators.

Q.

Do benefits under this Plan affect Social Security benfits?

A.

No. Benefits under this Plan are in addition to benefits paid under Social Security.

Q.

Are pension or death benefits taxable?

A.

Generally, yes. You should contact your tax advisor regarding your individual situation.

Q.

Are Plan Documents available?

A.

Yes. Copies of the Plan, Pension Booklet and a summary of the annual report are available for inspection at the Board of Trustees’ offices during regular business hours. On written request, copies will be supplied by mail. Copies of the Trust Agreement, Collective Bargaining Agreement and the full annual report are also available for inspection. These documents may also be supplied by mail on written request, but a reasonable fee may be charged.

Q.

May pension benefits be assigned?

A.

No. Assignment of benefits is prohibited under the Pension Plan. However, benefits will be paid in accordance with a Qualified Domestic Relations Order as required by federal law.

Q.

Can a participant or beneficiary appeal if benefits are denied?

A.

Yes. If you are denied a benefit or disagree with the type or amount of benefits allowed, you have the right to appeal to the Board of Trustees. You must do so within 60 days of the date you receive notice of the Board’s decision.

Q.

Must I retire when I reach age 65?

A.

No. Retirement under this Plan is voluntary. However, Federal regulations require that pension payments must begin no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the year in which you reach age 70½ or the date on which you retire, whichever is later. If payments do not start by that date, you may be subject to a 50% excise tax.

Q.

What is an Annuity Starting Date?

A.

Your Annuity Starting Date (ASD) is the date as of which your pension becomes effective. Generally, pensions are effective on the first day of the month following the month in which the Administrative Office receives your completed application. However, the start of payments may be delayed in some cases because of processing. Generally, once processing is completed and you are determined to be eligible for a pension, you will receive payments retroactive to your Annuity Starting Date. Generally, this is the first day of the month after your application was received or, if later, the first day of the month following your last day of Covered Employment.

Q.

Do I have to wait until age 65 to begin collecting my pension?

A.

No. You may be eligible for an Early Retirement Pension as early as age 55, or a Regular Pension as early as age 62, if you meet the eligibility requirements. You may also be eligible for a Disability Pension if you become totally disabled before age 62. A Service (80 & Out) Pension is also available if the sum of your age and full years of Pension Credit equal at least eighty (80).

Q.

How much will my pension benefit be?

A.

The amount of your pension is determined by when you retire and the amount of pension credit you have earned. For more information on pension calculations, refer to your Pension Booklet or contact the Administrative Office.

Q.

What is reciprocity?

A.

Reciprocity is an arrangement among UA benefit plans around the country which allows for your benefits to be sent back to and credited to your home local’s plans. When you are working out of the state of Arizona for an employer that is obligated to make contributions to related UA benefit plans, your pension and health contributions will be sent back to your home plan (either your home local or your home benefit plan). You will be given credit for those contributions under the formula established by the Trustees. Please contact the Administrative Office for details.