Friday, February 6, 2026

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q. How do I become a Participant in the Plan?
A. By being an employee working in a classification requiring contributions on your behalf as provided in the Collective Bargaining Aggreement between your employer and the I.B.E.W. Union Local 1710 (the “Union’), you are eligible for participation.
Q. If I become divorced what happens to my pension benefit?
A. That is determined by the Final Judgment forwarded to the Trust Fund.
Q. Whom should I contact if I’m going through a divorce and what documents do I need to submit?
A. You must furnish the Trust Fund with the Final Judgment of your dissolution along with any and all attachments it may have.
Q. Does the Pension Plan affect my Social Security benefits in any way?
A. You will have to contact The Social Security Administration Office and inquire with them.
Q. Can my pension benefits be assigned to or garnered by others?
A. In general, except as may be required under a Qualified Domestic Relations Oder, your interest in the Plan is not transferable or assignable and cannot be pledged as collateral for a loan.
Q. If my claim for benefits is denied how do I appeal that decision?
A. The appeal must be made in writing within 60 days (or 180 days for Disability Pensions) after the date of notice of the decision with respect to the application.
Q. How far in advance of my retirement should I request an application for benefits?
A. You may request an application 60 days prior to your effective date.
Q. In addition to the retirement application, which additional documents will I need?
A. You will need to provide the Trust Fund Office with proof of age for yourself and if you are married, proof of age for your spouse and a copy of your marriage certificate. Please note, if you have been divorced, you will need to submit a copy of the Final Judgment of your divorce(s).
Q. How can I change the amount of taxes withheld from my monthly pension check?
A. You may change the amount of taxes withheld by completion of a W-4P form provided by the Trust Fund Office.
Q. How can I change the bank account to which my monthly pension benefit is deposited?
A. You may change your direct deposit by completion of a Direct Deposit Form provided by The Trust Fund Office or by submitting your request in writing and attaching a voided check.
Q. How can I update my address?
A. You must submit your change of address in writing. The Trust Fund Office has an Address Verification Change form you may complete and submit.