If I am planning to retire, can I find out how much my benefit will be?
Yes, you should find out before making a retirement decision.  Send your request to the Fund Office.  Be sure to include your correct social security number, full name and address.

Do I have to report my Pension benefits on my income tax form?
Yes, you do not do this until you start receiving your benefit payments. The Fund Office will send you a 1099r.  If you need further information, you should contact the Internal Revenue Service.

Must I retire at my Normal Retirement date?
No. You may continue to work and earn additional pension credit, but your benefit will not begin until after you have retired from work as an engineer.

May I retire and collect my benefit before age 65?
Yes. If you have reached age 55, and have earned 15 years of Pension Credits, including at five of which were earned during the period while your employer was contribution to the Fund.

What happens if I become disabled?
You have a right to a Disability benefit if you become totally and permanently disabled, and have been awarded Disability benefits by the Social Security Administration in connection with such total and permanent disability.  You must also have 10 years of pension credits earned during the period your employer was contributing to the Fund, or 15 years of pension credit, five of which must have been earned during the period that your employer was contributing to the Fund.

Can I provide a lifetime benefit for my spouse in the event of my death after retirement?
Yes, provided you elect a Joint and Survivor Annuity at the time you retire. This is the normal form of payment for a married participant.

Can my monthly benefit be deposited directly to my bank?
Yes, the Fund provides that your pension check can be on direct deposit.

When are the monthly benefit checks sent?
Checks are issued the last three working days of the month for the following month. January’s check is dated January 1^st and is mailed out the third to last working day of December.  If you have elected to have your benefit sent directly to your bank a check is sent to your bank at the same time. This is an excellent way to avoid lost, stolen and misplaced checks.

If I do not receive my monthly check on the first of the month, should I assume it has not been mailed and call you?
No, sometimes there is a delay due to holidays or heavy mail loads. However, if you have not received it by the 10^th of the month, you should call the Fund Office and advise them.

I moved and notified the Postal Service of my move.  Why is my check still being sent to my old address?
You must also notify the Fund Office of any change in your address.

Is there any benefit payable to my beneficiary if I die after I retire?
It will depend on the form of payment you select at the time of retirement.