Sunday, June 15, 2025

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q.

How do I become a Participant in the Plan?

A.
An Employee will become a Participant on the first day of the month following completion at least 250 Hours of Service in Covered Employment.
Q.

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

A.
If you become divorced, your former spouse may be entitled to receive a portion of your benefit.  The amount your former spouse may be entitled to, if any, will depend upon the provisions of the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) submitted to the Fund Office.  If you have begun to receive a monthly pension benefit from the Plan under a Joint and Survivor form of benefit, this election may not be revoked due to the divorce.
Q.

Does the Pension Plan affect Social Security benefits in any way?

A.
Social Security benefits paid by the Social Security Administration are independent of this Plan. You should file for any benefits you are entitled to receive from Social Security independently from your application for benefits under this Plan.
Q.

Can pensions be paid or assigned or garnered to others?

A.
No, you may not assign, alienate, transfer, encumber, pledge, mortgage, hypothecate, anticipate, or impair in any manner your benefits of this Pension Plan.  However, benefits shall be paid in accordance with the applicable requirements of any Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
Q.

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

A.
If your claim is denied in full or in part, you or your duly authorized representative may request a review of the denial of the claim to the Board of Trustees or the Pension Application Committee, each of which has authority to make the final decision on review. The Board or Committee will conduct a full and fair review. The request for review must be made by written application, made within 60 days after receipt by the claimant of written notification or denial of a claim.

There are special rules that  apply to denials and appeals involving Total and Permanent Disability Benefits. Please see the current Summary Plan Description for more details.
Q.

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

A.
You may request an application for retirement no less than 30 days and no more than 180 days from the date you wish to commence your benefit. To begin the request, please complete the Pension Request Form under the Forms tab on this website and submit to the Fund Office. The Fund Office will send you all proper application froms within 30 days of your request. Within 90 days after receiving the completed application forms for benefits together with all supplemental documents and information necessary for proper determination, you will be notified in writing that your application has been approved or has been disapproved in whole or in part.
Q.

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

A.
You must provide proof of age with your completed application. Examples of Proof of Age are birth certificate, marriage certificate (if age is shown), passport, military discharge papers, certified copy of naturalization or immigration record if foreign born.
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.
To change your tax withholding information, please complete the Federal W-4P and the Nebraska W-4N under the Forms tab on this website and submit the completed forms to the Fund Office.
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.
To change your bank account information, please complete the Direct Deposit Form under the Forms tab on this website and submit it to the Fund Office.
Q.

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

A.
If you are receiving your benefit in the form of a check, you should contact the Fund Office to request a stop pay and reissue on your check.  Please note that stop pays generally cannot be requested until 10 business days after the date of the check.

If you are receiving your benefit in the form of a direct deposit, you should contact the Fund Office to confirm if the direct deposit was returned.  The Fund Office will issue you a check once the direct deposit is returned back to the Fund.
Q.

I recently moved, how do I change my address?

A.
To change your address, please complete the Address Verification Request Form under the Forms tab on this website and submit to the Fund Office.
Q.

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

A.
If you are getting a divorce, you should contact the Fund Office.  The Fund Office will provide you with a new Beneficiary Designation Form.  The Fund Office will need a copy of your divorce decree, marital settlement agreement, and Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).