Friday, May 16, 2025

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q.

How do I become a Participant in the Plan?

A.

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.

Q.

I am going through a divorce, what happens to my pension?

A.

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.

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.

Your pension can only be assigned to another individual via a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).  For more information, please contact the Fund Office at (410) 884-1406.

Q.

If benefits are denied, may a retiree or beneficiary appeal?

A.

A retiree or beneficiary may appeal any denial of benefits by submitting a written letter to the Board of Trustees at P.O. Box 99039 Troy, MI 48099. For more information, please contact the Fund Office at (410) 884-1406.

Q.

How far in advance should I request an application for retirement?

A.

You may request an application at any time up to six (6) months before your desired retirement date. For more information, please contact the Fund Office at (410) 884-1406.

Q.

In addition to the application for retirement, what other documents do I have to submit to the Fund Office?

A.

You must submit birth certificates for you and your spouse (if applicable) along with your marriage certificate and any divorce decrees with Property Settlement Agreements (if applicable). For more information, please contact the Fund Office at (410) 884-1406.

Q.

I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan and would like to change the tax withholding. What needs to be done?

A.

Please request a W-4P form from the Fund Office or download it from the internet and submit to P.O. Box 99039 Troy, MI 48099.

Q.

I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan and would like to change the bank account information. How do I change this information?

A.

Please request a Direct Deposit form from the Fund Office and submit it to P.O. Box 99039 Troy, M 48099. 

Q.

I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan, what happens if I do not receive my check?

A.

Please contact the Fund Office if you do not receive your check after 10 business days have passed.  Also, you may sign up for direct deposit at any time to avoid this issue. 

Q.

I recently moved, how do I change my address?

A.

Please submit your address change in writing to P.O. Box 99039 Troy, MI 48099. 

Q.

Whom should I contact if I'm getting a divorce and what documents do I need to submit?

A.

Please notify the Fund Office if you are getting a divorce and submit any Divorce Decrees, Property Settlement Agreements, and/or Qualified Domestic Relations Orders to the Fund Office.