Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q. How do I become a Participant in the Plan?
A. You automatically become an Active Participant ifyou complete 800 hours of service for a comtributing empoyer during the 12-month period beginning with your first hours of service or during any Plan Year ending after such 12-month period.
Q. I am going through a divorce, what happens to my pension?
A. Laws affecting employee benefits require plans such as this to obey certain court orders, such as divorce decrees, that require some or all of your benefits to be paid to your spouse. Please contact the Fund Office for a copy of the procedures governing Qualified Domestic Relations Order determination.
Q. Does the Pension Plan affect Social Security benefits in any way?
A. No may receive benefits from Social Security in addition to the benefit you get from this plan.
Q. Can pensions be paid or assigned or garnered to others?
A. Generally No. Except in the case of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order.
Q. If benefits are denied, may a retiree or beneficiary appeal?
A. If you wish to appeal the denial of your claim, you must write to the trustees indicating your reasons for appeal and any additional information to support your claim for benefits within 60 days of receiving the trustee's determination letter.
Q. How far in advance should I request an application for retirement?
A. Requests for a Retirement Application should be submitted to the Fund Office 90 days prior to your retirement date.
Q. In addition to the application for retirement, what other documents do I have to submit to the Fund office?
A. Application for Retirement also requires a Copy of a Photo ID for you and your spouse, a copy of a Birth Certificate for you and your spouse, a copy of the Marriage Certificate, a compelte copy of any divorce decrees, settlement agreements or exhibits., a copy of a death cerificate (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. To change your tax withholding, please submit a Federal W4-P form. You may contact the Fund Office for the form.
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 agreement must be submitted. Contact the Fund Office for the agreement. We will not take direct deposit changes over the phone.
Q. I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan, what happens if I do not receive my check?
A. If you have not received your pension check after 10 days, contact the Fund Office for a replacement check.
Q. I recently moved, how do I change my address?
A. Contact the Fund Office immediately of any address changes. For your protection and the protection of the Fund, it is our policy to temporarily stop the montly benfits for participants for whom we have received return mail. Even if you have direct deposit, your benefit will be stopped until we hear from you.
Q. Whom should I contact if I'm getting a divorce and what documents do I need to submit?
A. Contact the Fund Office and for a copy of the Procedures governing Qualified Domestic Relations Order determination.