Health Care
Who is eligible to become a Participant in the Plan?
An eligible employee is one who works under a Collective Bargaining Agreement that requires an Employer to make contributions on his or her behalf to the Fund. The employee will become eligible for "Active Employee Medical Coverage" on the first day of the second calendar quarter, following a period not to exceed four consecutive calendar quarters during which he or she worked at least 550 hours in no more than three out of the four calendar quarters in this period. Each eligible Participant must complete and submit to the Fund Office an Enrollment Form, which may be obtained from the Local Union Business Manager or the Fund Office.
What if I don’t work enough hours to gain eligibility for the month?
You and your Dependent’s eligibility will terminate when you fail to work at least 550 hours in three (3) out of four (4) consecutive calendar quarters.
How do I maintain my monthly Health Care coverage?
An employee must work 550 hours in 3 out 4 consecutive calendar quarters. If an Employee’s eligibility terminates, and he or she thereafter returns to work in Covered Employment, eligibility can be reinstated by satisfying the provisions for initial eligibility as shown above.
Pension
How do I become a Participant in the Plan?
You will automatically become a participant in the Plan on the day that you meet certain minimum eligibility service requirements. If you are an eligible Employee, you will become a participant if you complete one thousand (1,000) hours of service within the twelve (12) month period beginning on the day that you first complete an hour of service. If you are an eligible Employee and you do not earn at least 1,000 hours of service in your initial twelve (12) month period of employment, you will become a participant if you earn at least 1,000 hours of service in any calendar year after you completed your first hour of service. In either case, you will become a participant on the day that you complete your 1,000 hours of service during the specified period.
I am going through a divorce, what happens to my pension?
If you are receiving a pension and get a divorce, your spouse may still be entitled to a portion of your pension if you elected a Joint and Survivor pension at retirement. If you get a divorce before beginning your pension, your spouse may or may not be awarded a portion of your benefit. Please seek legal counsel.
Can pensions be paid or assigned or garnered to others?
Pensions can only be assigned to others vis a Qualified Domestic Relations Order usually as a result of a divorce.
Annuity
When can I start Participating in the Plan?
Effective July 22, 1999, you generally are eligible to participate in the Plan on the date that you first perform an hour of service with an Employer. However, on or after January 1, 1992, but before July 22, 1999, you generally had to complete one year of service to become a participant in this Plan. Each Participant of the Prior Plan on January 1, 1987 continues to be a Participant in this Plan.
What is a Plan Year?
The Plan Year is a twelve-month period beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each year. The records of the plan are maintained on a plan year basis.
Do I need to do anything to enroll in the Plan?
Enrollment in the Plan is automatic. However, you should complete an enrollment form to ensure that the Plan Administrator has your correct address and contact information, and so that you can designate your Beneficiary.