Thursday, February 5, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Care

Q.How do I become initially eligible for Health & Welfare coverage?                
A. To become eligible for coverage, a member must have 600 work hours contributed within a six month period.  Eligibility begins on the first day of the second month following and may extend for up to four months.  Member may then be eligible to self pay until the next year's eligibility plan year beginning March 1. 
If a new member does not receive four months of coverage due to becoming eligible shortly before the annual coverage period, the member will receive of 150 hours per month of unused coverage.  Example:  Member reaches 600 hours in November, eligible for four months of coverage beginning January.  He would receive eligible for January and February.  New coverage period begins March 1, therefore he has two months of unused coverage.  He will receive 150 hours per month (total for example 300 hours) credited towards his annual requirement.

 

Hours earned in 2016 for members not eligible for coverage ending 2/28/17:
0 - 399 hours           
No Coverage
400 - 999 hours
Eligible to buy up to Plan B only.  Plan A not an option.
1000 - 1399 hours 
Eligible for Plan B at no cost.  May buy up to Plan A.
1400 + hours
Eligible for Plan A at no cost.

 

All members must attend New Member Orientation to begin eligibility. 
Q. How do I maintain continuous Health & Welfare coverage?
A. Health & Welfare coverage is continued by employer work hours contribution, or a member pay in for the amount of hours short.

 

Hours earned in 2016 for members that are eligible for coverage ending 2/28/17:

 

0 - 399 hours
No Coverage
400 – 999 hours
Eligible for buy up to Plan A or Plan B.
1000 - 1399 hours    
Eligible for Plan B at no cost or you may buy up to Plan A.
1400 + hours
Eligible for Plan A at no cost.

 

Members may buy up to Plan A or B by making a pay in for the amount of hours short multiplied by the hourly contribution rate of $9.65.  This pay in may be made in up to 10 monthly pay ins.
Q. What is the difference between Plan A and Plan B?          
A.

Plan A has the highest level of Medical and Prescription coverage, and also offers Dental and Vision coverage as well.  Plan B offers Medical and Prescription coverage only, with a larger copay and annual deductible that will be the member’s responsibility.  Plan B does not offer Dental or Vision coverage. 

Plan A requires 1400 hours total for coverage. Plan B requires 1000 hours total for coverage.

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Pension

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 be necessary for you and your spouse to 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 Administration for review by Legal Counsel before it is file with the Court House. You may also contact the Benefit Office and request that a Sample QDRO be provided to you.
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 Benefit Office with your new address or
b) Complete the Address Change Form located on the website and mail or fax to the Benefit Office for processing.
Q. What happens to my application for benefits once is mailed to the Benefit Office?
A. Upon receipt of your application for benefits, the Administration will review your application to ensure it is complete. If for any reason, the application is not complete, the Benefit Office will contact you and request any additional documentation. Upon receipt of the additional information the Administration 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 Benefit office will retain your paperwork until the month in which your pension becomes effective.
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Annuity

Q. How do I apply for a benefit?
A. The first step is to request an application from the Fund Office. The application is also available on the website for your convenience. The application form will come with instructions and information about the type of documentation you will need to include with your completed application.
Q. What if I get divorced?
A. If you get divorced, please contact the Fund Office to update your records. If you wish to change your beneficiary designation, the Fund Office can provide you the proper form. Please note: Your former spouse may have rights to all or part of your benefit even if you designate a new beneficiary. A court may issue a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) in connection with your divorce requiring the Annuity Plan to pay part or all of your Annuity Plan benefit to your former spouse for reasons such as spousal or child support or division of marital property. Please contact the Fund Office for further information regarding QDRO requirements.
Q. What happens if my spouse remarries after I die? Will he/she lose the benefits from the Plan?
A. No. Payments to your surviving spouse will not be affected by remarriage.
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Vacation

Q. How do I apply for Vacation benefits?
A. Effective 1/1/2011 work month, stamp books are no longer applicable. To be eligible to receive Vacation benefits, you must have a PAC form on file with Local 94. The PAC form is available through the Fund Office, Local 94, or you can print from the website.
Q. Do I have to make contributions to the Vacation Plan?
A. Yes. Your employer will withhold the Vacation Fund contributions in accordance with your collective bargaining agreement.
Q. When will my Vacation benefit be paid out?
A. Vacation benefits are paid annually, beginning on February 1st. The payout will include all Vacation contributions reported for January - December work of the prior calendar year.
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