Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions


Health Care


Q.

Who is eligible to become a Participant in the Plan?

A.

You are eligible to participant in the Plan if you work for an Employer that is required to make health and welfare contributions to the Plan for the work you perform. For most Participants, this means working in a position covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Q.

What if I don’t work enough hours to gain eligibility for the month?

A.

If you fail to have the required employer contributions to continue Health Care coverage, you may be eligible to continue with COBRA Continuation Coverage. Please contact the Trust Fund Office at 844-492-9157.

Q.

How do I maintain my monthly Health Care coverage?

A.

You must have an employer contribution submitted on your behalf each month or elect COBRA Continuation Coverage. Please contact the Trust Fund Office at 844-492-9157.

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Pension


Q.

How do I become a Participant in the Plan?

A.

An Employee will become a Participant in one of three ways: 1) On the first day of the month following completion of 1000 hours of work in Covered Employment within the first twelve (12) months following your date of hire, 2) On the first day of the month following any Plan Year in which you complete 1000 hours of work in Covered Employment, or 3) On the first day of the month following completion of enough hours worked in Covered Employment to have had three (3) months of Employer Contributions made or due to be made on your behalf within a Plan Year.


Q.

I am going through a divorce, what happens to my pension?

A.

Any benefits accrued during your period of marriage are considered as Community Property, meaning your ex-spouse is entitled to half of any pension benefits accrued between your date of marriage and date of separation. We recommend that you clearly state the division of assets or waiver of benefits regarding your ex-spouse's interest (if any) in your pension benefits under the Plan. Doing so will help expedite the processing of your application for pension benefits upon retirement.


Q.

Does the Pension Plan affect Social Security benefits in any way?

A.

This is case-by-case. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, we recommend reaching out to Social Security prior to applying for pension benefits under the Plan to ensure there is no impact to your Social Security benefifts.

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