Saturday, January 24, 2026

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q. How do I become a Participant in the Plan?
A.You become a Participant in the Plan the first day of the month after you have had Employer Contributions made or due on your behalf for at least five calendar months in a Plan Year. Or the June 1st or December 1st following the date you have completed at 1,000 Hours of Service in a period of twelve consecutive months beginning with your Initial Date of Coverage.
Q. I am going through a divorce, what happens to my pension?
A.If you are getting a divorce, your former spouse may be entitled to receive a portion of your pension payments. The Plan must comply with any order issued by the state divorce court that is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). If you or your attorney have any questions or would like assistance before the QDRO is finalized, please contact the Trust Fund Office for a Sample Order and the Plan's Procedures.
Q. Does the Pension Plan affect Social Security benefits in any way?
A.No.
Q. Can pensions be paid or assigned or garnered to others?
A.Your benefits are payable only to you and your designated beneficiaries, except for certain divorce and child support orders as required by law.
Q. If benefits are denied, may a retiree or beneficiary appeal?
A.Yes. Any retiree or beneficiary denied a benefit has the right to appeal to the Trustees within 60 days after the date shown on the letter of denial. The rules for filing an appeal are briefly outlined in you Summary Plan Description (SPD).
Q. How far in advance should I request an application for retirement?
A.Please file your application within at least 90 days of your anticipated retirement date. However, your application must be filed before the last day of the month preceding the month for which benefits are payable.
Q. In addition to the application for retirement, what other documents do I have to submit to the Fund office?
A.The Benefit Office will need photocopies of the birth certificate and photo identification for you and your spouse, along with a copy of your marriage certificate. If you were divorced, you will also be required to submit a copy of the final court-filed judgment in your martial dissolution with any copies of the marital property settlement agreement.
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.You may change your tax withholding as often as you wish by completing a new W-4P Form which can be obtained from the Benefit Office or downloaded from the website. Once this form is completed, you must return it to the Benefit Office for implementation. Please have the completed form to the Benefit Office before the 15th of the month to ensure it is effective for the following month.
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.You may change your direct deposit information by completing a new Direct Deposit Form which can be obtained from the Benefit Office or downloaded from the website. Once this form is completed, you must return it to the Benefit Office for implementation. Please have the completed form to the Benefit Office before the 15th of the month to ensure it is effective for the following month.
Q. I am currently receiving a monthly pension benefit from the Plan, what happens if I do not receive my check?
A.Although, the Benefit Office makes every effort to ensure that your monthly benefit arrives on time, sometimes it is possible that the delivery of your check is delayed beyond our control. If you do not receive your check by the 10th day of the month, you must contact the Benefit Office so that a replacement check can be mailed to you. Please contact our office if you are interested in receiving your monthly pension benefit electronically and our office will send a Direct Deposit form for your completion.
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: 1) Mail or fax a letter to the Benefit Office with your new address, 2) Complete the Address Change Form located on the website and mail or fax to the Benefit Office for processing.