Thursday, January 29, 2026

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q. What is required to participate in the Plan?
A. A “Participant” is any Employee or former Employee who works for an Employer required to make contributions to the Plan on behalf of the Employee and who is, or may become, eligible to receive a benefit from this Pension Plan.
Q. May I transfer my contributions from another fund to this Fund?
A. Reciprocal agreements may allow you to transfer contributions you earn when you are working in the jurisdiction of another fund to this Fund, which is commonly referred to as your “home fund”. This procedure is known as “reciprocity”.
Q. When may I retire?
A. You are eligible for Normal Retirement Benefits if you have:
  • Attained Normal Retirement Age; and
  • Completed five years of Continuous Service; and
  • Completely retired from all Covered and Industry Employment
Q. Does the Plan provide a minimum retirement benefit?
A. Members of Local No. 502 and former members of Local No. 107 with at least 10 years of Covered Service will receive a minimum monthly Normal Retirement Benefit of $600.00. Former members of Local No. 633 with at least 10 years of Covered Service will receive a minimum monthly Normal Retirement Benefit of $240.00.
Q. May I work beyond Normal Retirement Age?
A. You may work past your normal retirement age. When you do retire, your monthly benefit will be calculated in the same manner as a normal retirement. Benefit payments will start on your delayed retirement date.
Q. May I return to work after retirement?
A. If you are entitled to receive or are receiving retirement benefits from the Plan and you remain in or return to employment in the same industry, and in the same trade or craft, and in the same geographic area of the Union, you will forfeit one monthly pension payment for each calendar month during which you are employed 40 or more hours. Upon cessation of such employment and written notification to the Plan Administrator, your retirement benefits will commence or resume in the amount that you would have been receiving had you not remained in or returned to employment; provided, however, if additional Employer Contributions were made on your behalf during your continuation of employment or re-employment, your retirement benefit will be calculated on August 1 of each year to give you credit for any eligible contributions.
Q. When will I receive my first pension benefit check?
A. Your first pension benefit check will be paid the first day of the calendar month immediately following the month in which your completed application is approved by the Trustees.
Q. May I retire before my Normal Retirement Age?
A. Yes. If you have at least five years of Continuous Service, you may file an application for Early Retirement Benefits any time after reaching age 57. The amount of your monthly benefit will depend upon the benefit you have earned so far and the number of months between the date your benefits are to begin and your normal retirement date.
Q. Am I entitled to a benefit if I leave employment in the Plumbers and Pipefitting Industry?
A. If you leave the jurisdiction of the Plan, you may be entitled to a Vested Benefit if you have at least five years of Continuous Service without suffering a Break in Service.
Q. What can I do if my application for benefits is denied?
A. If your application for benefits is denied, wholly or in part, you will receive a written notice that will include:
  • The specific reason(s) for the denial;
  • Specific references to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based;
  • A description of any additional information necessary as well as an explanation of why such information is necessary;
  • A description of the steps you need to take if you wish to appeal; and
  • A statement of your rights, under ERISA, to bring a civil action once you have exhausted the Plan’s appeal procedures.
Q. What if I leave Covered Employment with a Deferred Vested Benefit and then return to Covered Employment?
A. If you leave the jurisdiction of the Plan with a Deferred Vested Benefit and later return to Covered Employment, you must work a minimum of three years before you are eligible for any improvements made to the Plan during your absence.
Q. Can my pension benefit be transferred or assigned to someone else?
A. As a general rule, pension benefits are not subject to transfer or assignment. However, in the event of a divorce, your Spouse may be awarded all or part of your benefits pursuant to a Qualified Domestic Relations Order. For further information on QDRO’s, please contact the Administration Office.
Q. In addition to the application for retirement, what other documents do I have to submit to the Fund office?
A. You are required to submit copies of you and your spouse’s (if applicable) photo ID’s, birth certificates and marriage license. You must also submit any divorce decrees, death certificates or QDRO’s from any prior marriages (if applicable).
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. Contact the Fund office to receive the appropriate forms to complete to change your tax withholdings.
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. Contact the Fund office to receive the appropriate forms to complete to change your bank account information.
Q. I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan, what happens if I do not receive my check?
A. Contact the Fund office.
Q. I recently moved, how do I change my address?
A. Contact the Fund office and provide your new address.
Q. Whom should I contact if I’m getting divorced and what documents do I need to submit.
A. Contact the Fund office and submit a copy of your divorce decree and the qualified domestic relations order (if applicable).