Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Care

Q. How can I change my coverage options?
A. Each November, you have the option to make any changes to be in effect for the upcoming January – December year. Contact the Benefit Office for the appropriate forms. If you have a “life changing event” such as divorce, loss of other coverage, etc, you may qualify to change your options at the time of the change. Contact the Benefit Office for events that may qualify as “life changing.”
Q. Whom should I call if I have questions about my eligibility?
A. The Plan office at (888) 424-7488.
Q. How do I add my spouse or new baby?
A. You must submit a marriage license to the Benefit Office within 31 days of your marriage of for a new baby you must submit a birth certificate to the Benefit Office within 31 days of the birth of your child. Send the document to:

Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 Health Benefits Plan
12515 Corporate Drive, Parma OH 44130
Attn: Eligibility

For all other dependaent coverage changes, please contact the Benefit Office
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Pension

Q. What if I am denied benefits?
A. You are entitled to appeal a decision of the Fund by written notice received by the Board of Trustees within 30 days of the mailing of the denial. In the case of a disability retirement benefit claim you may appeal the decision within 180 days of the mailing of the notice of a denial. The written notice only needs to state your name, address, and the fact that the claimant is appealing from the decision of the Board of Trustees, giving the date of the decision appealed from. The appeal should be addressed as follows:

Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 Cleveland District Pension Fund
12515 Corporate Drive, Parma OH 44130
(216) 267-3344 or (888) 424-7488.
Q. How many hours per Plan Year constitutes a full Year of Credited Service?
A. Past Service: One (1) Year granted for each Plan Year that Employee worked in the jurisdiction of the Union during May 1, 1946 to May 1, 1961.

Future Service: One (1) Year granted for each Plan Year during which Employee receives contribution credits for 350 Hours Worked in a Plan Year.

Break-in-Service: As of May 1, 1976: Failure to acquire 350 Hours Worked in ONE Plan Year. (Not applicable if failure is due to: (1) Maternity/Paternity or FMLA; (2) injury or illness incurred while working in Covered Employment; (3)Workers’ Compensation; (4) eligibility by age/service for Disability Retirement; (5)Service in the armed forces provided notification of such is provided to Fund Office.)

Permanent Break-in-Service: Two (2) Plan Years or Rule of Parity; If hired on or after May 1, 2007 – Five (5) Plan Years. Prior Credited Service restored in former member is re-employed and completes 350+ Hours of Service in a Plan Year. (Excludes benefits forfeited under provisions of Plan in effect prior to May 1, 1976.)

Reciprocity: All hours transferred under money-follows-the-man reciprocity agreements shall be credited as Hours Worked under this Plan.
Q. What is a Plan Year?
A. The Plan Year is from May 1 through April 30.
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Annuity

Q. When can I retire?
A. You may retire on the first day of the month which coincides with or immediately follows your Normal Retirement Date. Your Normal Retirement Date is the date you reach the age of fifty-five (55).
Q. What Are Valid Reasons To Obtain A Hardship Withdrawal?
A. The determination of the existence of financial hardship and the amount required to meet the need created will be made on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis by the Trustees based on the standards set forth herein and considering all relevant facts and circumstances. The Trustees in their discretion may permit hardship withdrawals with respect only to the following:
  • Medical expenses incurred by you, your spouse or dependents to the extent not subject to reimbursement through insurance or other coverage;
  • Major uninsured casualty losses;
  • Threatened eviction from or foreclosure on your primary residence;
  • Funeral and related expenses arising out of the death in the Participant’s immediate family, including but not limited to, the Participant’s spouse, children, parents, or grandparents;
  • Temporary disability of you or your spouse;
  • Loss of income and inability to pay expenses as a result of layoff, discharge or other termination of employment of you or your spouse; or
  • Any other of your immediate and heavy financial needs, as determined by the Trustees in their sole discretion.
The decision of the Trustees whether to permit a hardship withdrawal shall be final and binding and conclusive. The Trustees reserve the right to (a) add to, modify or change the terms or conditions for hardship withdrawals, or (b) eliminate hardship withdrawals from the Plan at their sole discretion at any time and for any reason and such decision shall be final and binding.
Q. When Am I Eligible To Apply For A Hardship Withdrawal?
A. You may not apply for a hardship withdrawal prior to obtaining a balance of at least $2,000 in your Participant Account. You may not apply for a hardship withdrawal unless the amount required to meet the need created by the financial hardship is $1,000 or more. In addition, the administrative expenses incurred in the processing of the hardship withdrawal may be charged to your Participant Account.
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