Health Care
Who is eligible to become a Participant in the Plan?
Members who have met the eligibility rules and work for an employer who participates and submit payment and work contributions are eligible to participate.
What if I don’t work enough hours to gain eligibility for the month?
If you do not maintain eligibility, you will receive a COBRA notice advising of your continuation options.
How do I maintain my monthly Health Care coverage?
Once you have earned initial eligibility, you will continue to earn three-months of eligibility, called Coverage Quarters. You will stay eligible as long as you work at least 300 hours in the Eligibility Quarter, or 550 hours in two consecutive Eligibility Quarters and the Fund receives employer contributions for those hours.
Pension
How do I become a Participant in the Plan?
You become a Participant after you have worked at least 480 hours during a 12 month period at a job or jobs covered by a collective bargaining agreement under which your employer makes payments to the Pension plan for your work. For more information, please contact the Fund Office at (410) 884-1406.
I am going through a divorce, what happens to my pension?
If you are divorced AFTER you have retired, your pension will not change unless directed by a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). If you are divorced PRIOR TO retiring, what happens to your pension will be dependent upon your divorce decree and any subsequent QDROs received. You should consult your attorney for a detailed explanation. For more information, please contact the Fund Office at (410) 884-1406.
Does the Pension Plan affect Social Security benefits in any way?
No.
Vacation
For Vacation contributions, can I withdraw funds prior to the Annual payout?
No. Payouts are done twice a year. The first payout is in November for contributions received prior to September 30 and an additional payout is done the following February for any late contributions that may have come in.
Is there a limit to the number of withdrawals that I can make during the year?
You cannot make withdrawals. Payouts are automatic and paid as described above.
Can I have my spouse or another designated person contact the Benefit Office for any of my balances?
If you file an authorization with the Fund Office, we will allow whomever you designate to receive information.