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When you retire or leave covered employment, request an application from the Fund Office to claim your benefits. Payment can’t be made until your application is filed at the Fund Office and approved by the Trustees.
Generally, the Fund Office provides an explanation of the payment forms and amount of those payments available to you within 90 days of your application receipt. Under special circumstances, this 90-day period may be extended up to 180 days. You will be notified of such extension, why it’s necessary, and when you can expect a decision on your application. To protect your rights, contact the Fund Office if you have not received a response within 90 days of filing your application.
If your application is for a distribution due to a disability, you will receive written notice of a decision within 45 days of receipt of your application. If additional time is required to make a determination (for reasons beyond the control of the Plan), you will be notified within this time. The Plan may extend this 45-day period up to an additional 60-day maximum (two periods of 30 days each). You will be notified in writing before the end of the 45-day period if the first extension is used, or within 75 days if the second extension is used.
If You Are Married
You will receive a description of the terms and conditions of the joint and 50% (or 75%) survivor annuity at least 30 days (but no more than 90 days) before your benefits begin. The description includes your and your spouse’s right to waive the joint and 50% (or 75%) survivor annuity form of payment and a description of optional forms of payment. To waive the joint and 50% (or 75%) survivor annuity form of payment, you and your spouse must provide a written waiver within the 90-day period before payment of your Annuity Plan benefit begins. You and your spouse must sign the written statement in the presence of a notary public or a designated Annuity Plan representative. A waiver is only effective if you receive a written explanation of the joint and 50% (or 75%) survivor annuity at least 30 days (but no more than 90 days) before you begin to receive payment of your Annuity Plan benefit.
If Additional Information Is Needed
If additional information is needed to process and make a decision on your application when it is due to a disability, the Plan will notify you within 45 days of receiving your request. You then have up to 45 days to submit the additional information. If you do not provide the information within this time, your application may be denied.