Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Care

Q. When do I become eligible for benefits?
A. You will become eligible the first day of the second month following the month that you complete a minimum of 440 work hours within a twelve month period.
If you are a Residential member, you will become eligible the first day of the second month following the month that you complete a minimum of 480 work hours within a twelve month period.
Q. What healthcare plans are available?
A. Kaiser (HMO) or Blue Cross (PPO)
* All residential members will be enrolled in Kaiser (the PPO plan is not available).
Q. How do I add my new baby or spouse to my insurance plan?
A. You must fill out an enrollment form and submit the required documents (ex: marriage certificate, birth certificate). You can download an enrollment form from this website located under “Forms” and mail it to the Trust Fund Office.
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Pension

Q. How can I change my address?
A. All address changes must be submitted in writing. Complete the Address Verification Change Form located on this website for your convenience. Mail all address changes to P.O. Box 2460 San Jose, CA 95109-2460.
Q. How can I change the federal and state tax withholding from my pension check?
A. You can have tax withholding changed at any time during the year by completing a new federal and state tax withholding form and mail it to the pension office. The federal and state tax withholding forms are located below for your convenience.
Q. How can I sign up for or change the direct deposit of my pension check?
A. A direct deposit form must be completed and returned to the pension department for your benefit to be direct deposited into your account. The form is located below for your convenience.
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Defined Contribution

Q. I’m retired and I would like to take a distribution from my Part B Defined Contribution Pension Plan.
A. You must complete an application and mail it to the pension department at P.O. Box 2460 San Jose, CA 95109.
Q. What is the maximum loan amount I can borrow?
A. Under the Plan, a participant may borrow up to half of their account balance in the Plan, up to a maximum of $50,000.00, for the purchase of a primary residence, refinancing, home improvement, and general purpose.
Q. Can I receive a hardship distribution?
A. Hardship distributions are available to members who had elective contributions made prior to 1992, up to the lesser of the amount you need to satisfy an immediate need, or your undistributed elective contributions.
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Sub

Q. When should I apply for unemployment with EDD?
A. Immediately! In order to receive SUB benefits you must be receiving State Unemployment Insurance (EDD).
Q. When will I receive my SUB payment?
A. Check stubs received by 1:30pm on Tuesday, will be made payable on Wednesday after 3:30pm.
Q. How long do I have to send in my EDD claim stubs?
A. The Benefit Office must receive your claim stubs within 180 days from the date of each payment you received from State Unemployment Insurance (EDD).
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E.S.D

Q. When will my ESD money be transferred to my Credit Union account?
A. By the last day of the month after contributions are received in the Trust Fund Office. For example, Hours worked in June must be reported and paid to the Trust Fund Office by July 15th, the ESD funds will be transferred to your account by July 31st. There is also a transfer made during the second week of each month for any contributions received late from employers.
Q. I understand my Employee Savings Deduction (ESD) money is transferred into a Credit Union account. What is the Credit Union’s address, telephone number and Website address?
A. Commonwealth Central Credit Union
5890 Silver Creek Valley Road
San Jose, CA 95138
Phone: 1.800.564.1588
www.Commonwealthcu.org
Q. Can my ESD money be deposited into my own personal financial institution?
A. No. If you have any questions, please contact the UA Local 393 office at (408) 225-3030.
Q. How do I open an account with the Credit Union to receive my ESD funds?
A. Members may apply:
  • Online at www.Commonwealthcu.org (Click on the “join now” link at the top of the website).
  • At a local CommonWealth branch.
  • Or by mail by calling (408) 531-3100. A membership application will be mailed to the member. (This requires their signature to be notarized when submitting the application).

All applicants will also need to supply the following:
  • A $15.00 check or cash ($5.00 one-time membership fee and $10.00 deposit to your regular share/savings account).
  • Proof of eligibility (Live or work in Santa Clara County, roommate or relative of a current member, or employee of a CommonWealth Central Credit Union Select Employer Group)
  • Valid photo identification (Driver License, passport, matricula consular, or government issued identification)