Ohio Bricklayers Trust Fund

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Frequently Asked Pension Questions

Q.	How do I become a Participant in the Plan?
A.	An Employee will become a participant in the Plan on May 1st or November 1st following the completion of 1000 hours of service.
Q.	I am going through a divorce, what happens to my pension?
A.	If a portion of your benefit is paid to a former Spouse, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order would have to be presented. Once approved, at the time that you retire, your benefit will be adjusted accordingly.
Q.	Does the Pension Plan affect Social Security benefits in any way?
A.	Social Security benefits do not have any affect on benefit payments that you receive from this plan.
Q.	Can pensions be paid or assigned or garnered to others?
A.	No, your benefits may not be sold, used as collateral for a loan, given away or transferred. Creditors may not attach, garnish or otherwise interfere with your right to a retirement benefit. The only exception is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order.
Q.	If benefits are denied, may a retiree or beneficiary appeal?
A.	Yes, you have 60 days following the date on which you are sent the written denial. Your written appeal should be addressed to the Board of Trustees and sent to the Pension Benefit Office at PO BOX 99550 Troy, MI 48099. You may submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to your claim to the Board of Trustees for their review of your appeal.
Q.	How far in advance should I request an application for retirement?
A.	Contact the Benefit Office 90 days prior to your retirement date to request a Benefit estimate and Application.
Q.	In addition to the application for retirement, what other documents do I have to submit to the Benefit Office?
A.	A copy of your Photo Id and Birth Certificate are required. If you are Married, a copy of your spouse's photo ID and Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate. If you had any prior marriages, a complete copy of the Divorce Decree with any Separation agreements or copy of a death certificate.
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.	A Federal W4-P and/or a State Tax Withholding form are required. You may request tax forms from the Pension Benefit 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.	A Direct Deposit form is required to change bank information. You may request a form from the Pension Office. The form is available on the website.
Q.	I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan, what happens if I do not receive my check?
A.	Allow 10 days from the mail date for the postal service to deliver your check. After 10 days, contact the Benefit Office for a reissue of your pension check. We recommend that members enroll in direct deposit to ensure prompt pension payments.
Q.	I recently moved, how do I change my address?
A.	Contact the Benefit Office to update your address. If we are unable to locate you, your pension payments will stop until we hear from you, even if you have direct deposit.
Q.	Whom should I contact if I'm getting a divorce and what documents do I need to submit?
A.	Please send a complete copy of the Divorce Decree, along with any settlement agreement to the Pension Benefit Office. Contact the Pension Benefit Office at 248-641-4921 or for Toll Free at 833-289-4921 for any Plan Specific rules or a sample Qualified Domestic Relations Order.