Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q. Can my pension be paid out in one lump sum?
A. No, this is a Defined Benefit Pension Plan which provides you, the participant, a monthly benefit payable for your lifetime.
Q. I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan, what happens if I do not receive my check?
A. Although, the Fund Office makes every effort to ensure that your monthly benefit arrives on time, sometimes it is possible that the delivery of your check is delayed beyond reasons out of our control.  There is a possibility that your check gets lost in the mail processing.  If for any reason, you do not receive your check by the 10th day of the month, you must contact the Fund Office so that a replacement check can be mail to you.
Q. I would like to know what my monthly benefit would be if I choose to retire.  How do I obtain this information?
A. You can contact the Pension Department by calling (248) 641-4919 and request that an estimate be mailed to you.  If you are married, you will be required to submit your spouse’s information so that an estimate could be provided with all the Joint & Survivor options available to you.  Additionally, if you have been divorced previously, you must submit a copy of your final divorce decree to the Pension Department.
Q. How far in advance should I request an application for retirement?
A. You can request an application for retirement any time during the 180 days prior to your expected retirement date, but in no event not later than 90 days prior to the month in which you want to retire with this Plan. 
Q. I recently moved, how do I change my address?
A. For your protection, all address changes must be submitted in writing. You can change your address in one of two ways: a) Mail or fax a letter to the Fund Office with your new address or b) Complete the Address Change Form located on the website for your convenience.
Q. In addition to the application for retirement, what other documents do I have to submit to the Fund office?
A. The Fund Office will need photocopies of the birth certificates for you and your spouse, copy of your marriage license, copy of photo identification for you and your spouse.  If you were divorced, you will also be required to submit a copy of the final judgment in your marital dissolution with any copies of the marital property settlement agreement.
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 necessary that you and your spouse complete a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) so that the Plan can pay benefits to your former spouse.  We strongly recommend that you or your attorney submits any proposed QDRO to the Fund Office for review by Legal Counsel before it is file with the Court House.  You may also contact the Fund Office and request that a Sample QDRO be provided to you.
Q. I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan and would like to change the tax withholding.  Want needs to be done?
A. You can change your Federal or Michigan State tax withholding as often as you wish by completing a new Federal or Michigan State Tax Form which can be obtained from the Fund Office or downloaded from this website.  Once this form is completed, you must return it to the Fund Office for implementation.
Q. What happens to my application for benefits once is mailed to the Fund Office?
A. Upon receipt of your application for benefits, the Fund Office will review your application to ensure it is complete. If for any reason, the application is not complete, the Fund Office will contact you and request any additional documentation.  Upon receipt of the additional information the Fund Office will process your initial payment as soon as administrative feasible.  If your application for benefits is submitted more than one (1) month in advance prior to your effective date of retirement, the Fund Office will retain your paperwork until the month in which your pension becomes effective.
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. You can change your direct deposit information by completing a new Direct Deposit Form which can be obtained from the Fund Office or downloaded from the website.  Once this form is completed, you must return it to the Fund Office for implementation.
Q. Who is my Beneficiary if I should die before I start collecting my benefit?
A.Your plan is designed to protect your Spouse or Beneficiary in case you should die after you have become vested, but prior to the date payment of your retirement benefits begin. If you are married for at least one year prior to your death your Spouse is automatically your legal beneficiary. If you have not been married for at least one year as of the date of your death, your spouse will only be eligible to receive a benefit if you have designated him or her as your Beneficiary. If you have not designated a Beneficiary any death benefit will be paid to your estate. If you would like to designate a Beneficiary please download the Beneficiary form from this website and mail it to the Fund Office. Please refer to the Summary Plan Description available on this website for more detailed information regarding Beneficiaries.