Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Frequently Asked Pension Questions


Q. How do I know if I am eligible for an Ad Hoc check benefit?
A.
  • Members must have 9 Benefit Credits within 10 years prior to their effective retirement date;
  • The 9 out of 10 requirement is waived for permanently disabled members receiving a Defined Benefit pension check;
  • The 9 out of 10 requirement is also waived if you have over 25 years of Benefit Credit;
  • Permanently disabled members in receipt of a Social Security Disability Award who are vested in the Defined Benefit Pension Plan are eligible for the Ad Hoc check;
  • Members must have an effective retirement date of September 1st or earlier to be eligible to receive the current year's Ad Hoc check;
  • Members that have received Ad Hoc checks consecutively for previous years are eligible;
  • Surviving spouses are eligible for the Ad Hoc check in the year of the member's death only if the member was eligible for the Ad Hoc check prior to their death;
  • All members must be dues paying members in Good Standing with Local 393 for 12 consecutive months in order to receive the Ad Hoc check;
  • These rules are subject to change without notice at the sole discretion of the Board of Trustees.
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. Who do I notify if my spouse has passed away?
A. The pension department needs to be notified when a member or their spouse passes away. Please contact the pension department at (408) 588-3751. A copy of the death certificate must be submitted to the pension department.
Q. I’m going through a divorce, what does the Plan require?
A. The Plan requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to be filed with the courts should an ex-spouse be entitled to pension benefits. Your attorney may obtain details and assistance by writing to the pension department. Click here for QDRO procedures and a sample QDRO.
If you have any questions, please contact the pension department at (408) 588-3751.
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.
Q. How can I receive an estimate of my retirement benefits?
A. You can request an estimate by calling the pension department at (408) 588-3751. An estimate will be mailed to you within 5-7 business days.
If you have been divorced, you must submit copies of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, settlement agreement, or Qualified Domestic Relations Order prior to an estimate being mailed to you.
Q. When will I be eligible to retire?
A.
  • Normal Retirement (Unreduced): age 65 with a vested benefit
  • Disability Retirement (Unreduced age 55 & older): 10 years of Benefit Credits. Members must submit proof of a Social Security Award or equivalent medical proof confirmed by by the Plan's medical consultant. Before age 55, benefits will be reduced.

For employees first working under the Plan prior to May 1, 2017:

  • Unreduced Early Retirement: age 55 with 25 Benefit Credits; age 62 with 10 Vesting Credits
  • Reduced Early Retirement: age 55 with 10 Vesting Credits; age 52 with 25 Benefit Credits

For employees first working under the Plan on or after May 1, 2017:

  • Unreduced Early Retirement: age 60 with 25 Benefit Credits
  • Reduced Early Retirement: age 57 with 15 Benefit Credits; age 57 with 25 Benefit Credits
Q. What are the forms of benefit available for my pension?
A.Single Life Annuity: The normal form of benefit for an unmarried participant. It is a monthly benefit for the member's life alone, with a guarantee of a minimum number of benefit payments. If you are married at retirement, you may not elect this option, or designate anyone other than your spouse to be your beneficiary,unless your spouse consents in writing.
    50% Joint & Survivor Annuity: Joint & Survivor Annuity that has two parts. The first part is a monthly benefit for the member's life. The second part is a monthly survivor benefit paid to the spouse, in an amount equal to 50% of the benefits paid to the member.
    75% Joint & Survivor Option: Monthly survivor benefit equal to 75% of the benefits paid to the member.
    100% Joint & Survivor Option: Monthly survivor benefit equal to 100% of the benefits paid to the member.
    Q. What is the Pop-Up Option?
    A.50%, 75% & 100% Joint & Survivor Pop-Up Options: The Pop-Up Options are Joint & Survivor Annuities, with a special feature to protect the member in case your spouse dies first. If the member predeceases the spouse, the spouse will receive the 50%, 75% or 100% Survivor Annuity, per the election at the time of retirement. If the spouse predeceases the member, the members benefit will "pop up" to the Normal Retirement Benefit amount.