Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered below, please contact the Pension Fund Office.

When Do I Get Into the Pension Plan?

You need to work 10 weeks in covered employment to become a Pension Plan participant. Once you do, your Plan participation automatically begins on the January 1 or July 1 that precedes the date you complete 10 weeks of work in covered employment.

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When Do I Fill Out a Beneficiary Card?

You must complete a Beneficiary Card when you first start working. You may later change your beneficiary designation at any time by completing a new Beneficiary Card.

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How Do I Earn Credits Towards My Pension?

You earn credits by working for an employer who contributes to the Plan. You earn 2.5% of a pension credit for each weekly pay period that you work in covered employment. This means that by the time you've worked 40 weeks in a year, you've earned one full pension credit for that year (which is the most you can earn in a year). The maximum number of pension credits you can earn in a lifetime is 25. We keep track of your credits throughout your career, from the day your Pension Plan participation starts until the day it ends.

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What If I Don't Have Enough Pension Credits to Qualify for Any of These Pensions?

You won't receive a pension. However, if you become a management employee, your pension credits under this Plan may help you qualify for a Pro-Rata Pension; see the Pension Plan Summary Plan Description (SPD) for more information.

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What If I Become Disabled and Have to Stop Working?

You may qualify for a Disability Pension if you meet the service and employment requirements. See the Pension Plan SPD for more information.

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Do I Get My Pension for Life?

Yes. But note that if you're married when your pension starts, your pension will be slightly smaller because it is designed to be paid over two lifetimes-yours and your spouse's.

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What Do I Do When I'm Ready to Retire?

To receive your pension benefits, you must complete an application form at the Fund Office, which you may do at any time after you become eligible for a pension. To make sure your benefit payments are not delayed, complete your application at least three months before you plan to retire.

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How Long Does It Take to Get My First Pension Check?

As long as your application is complete and all your documents are in order, it's expected that you will receive your first pension check from six to eight weeks after you submit your completed application form.

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How Much Do I Receive From My Pension?

The amount you'll receive is determined by a formula that takes into account the current pension credit rate ($13.00 in 2006), the age at which you retire and the number of pension credits you've earned.

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Can I Lose Pension Credits Once I've Earned Them?

Yes, if you have what's known as a "break in service." See the Pension Plan SPD for more information.

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What Happens If I Keep Working After I've Reached Age 65?

You may apply for a pension at age 65 even if you are still working in covered employment at the time.

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What Happens to My Benefit if I Get Promoted into Management?

The pension credits you earn under this Plan may count toward a Pro-Rata Pension. See the Pension Plan SPD for more information.

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What Happens to My Pension When I Die?

A lump sum death benefit may be payable, depending on your circumstances when you die. See the Pension Plan SPD for more information. (This is why you must complete and submit a beneficiary card when you first start working.)

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Who Can I Leave My Benefit To?

You may leave a lump sum death benefit to anyone you like. However, if you leave it to a minor child who has no legal guardian, the Trustees reserve the right to delay payment until the child reaches age 18.

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Who Runs the Pension Plan?

The Pension Plan is established and administered by an independent Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees includes both Union and Employer Trustees. The Board of Trustees acts on behalf of you and your fellow Plan participants to manage all aspects of the Fund's operations.

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