Do I have to keep paying my union dues if I retire?
Your dues status with the union does not interfere with your ability to receive a pension benefit. Please be sure to check with the Dues office if you wish to discuss your union membership.
When can I retire with 100% benefits (no reduction)?
That depends on how many years you worked under the Plan. It can be as early as age 57 and as late as age 65. NOTE: Under the Rule of 80 retirement program, it can be as early as age 50 provided you meet all the qualification criteria.
Once I apply for benefits, when can I get my first check?
Usually, it takes 30 to 90 days to process retirement applications. This can vary depending on when you terminated your employment and submit all the required forms and documents.
Can I provide for my spouse when I retire? Do I have to?
Yes and no. There are three different joint annuity options to choose from if you wish to provide benefits to your spouse after your death. If you elect not to provide for your spouse at retirement, spousal consent is required.
If I don't have a certified copy of my birth certificate, but I have a passport, will that be sufficient for proof of my date of birth upon retirement?
Yes, but we must see the original passport. You can also submit an original expired passport.
A joint annuity option pays monthly retirement payments to you from your retirement date until your death. These benefit payments are actuarially adjusted to take into consideration your age and the age of your joint annuitant. After your death, a joint annuity option pays benefits to your designated joint annuitant for their lifetime. If your joint annuitant dies before you, benefit payments end at your death.
If I select a joint annuity and my spouse (annuitant) does not survive, does my benefit go up?
Only if your joint annuitant dies within the first year of your retirement date. After that, your only option would be to substitute a new spouse if you were to ever remarry.
Yes. However, only the employer Contributions made through June 30, 1990 are available for a lump sum payment. There is a one-year waiting period from the date of application before receiving a distribution under this option.
Why are some retirees affected by Suspendible Employment and others are not?
Suspendible Employment affects all retirees. Covered employment is Suspendible Employment. The Board of Trustees adopted the current Suspendible Employment provision in July 1990 expanding the definition to include non-Covered Employment. Prior to July 1990, the Suspendible Employment provision was triggered solely by Covered Employment. Individuals who retired before July 1, 1990, are held to the standard in place before July 1, 1990.
What documents do I need to bring in or send when I retire?
Your certified birth certificate; your spouses' certified birth certificate (if married and elected a joint survivor option), marriage certificate; divorce decree, if applicable. All the required forms are provided with your retirement package.