In order for your pension benefit to start you will need to notify the Plan Administrators Office at least 90 days before your benefit will begin.  At the time that you apply for your pension benefit it will be required that you provide satisfactory evidence of your age.  The most satisfactory evidence is a copy of your birth certificate.  If you are married, it will be necessary for you to provide evidence of your spouse’s birth date, similar in nature to that required for yourself, as well as proof of marriage.    If you have been divorced, you will need to submit a copy of the divorce decree or QDRO.

You must have 10 years of credited service in order to elect early retirement, between age 55 and your Normal Retirement date.

Yes, the benefit is reduced by one quarter of one percent for each month that your retirement precedes age 65.  This is a 3% percent reduction for each 12 months.  However, if you have earned 240 hours of Service Credit during any Plan year commencing July 1, 1989, your reduction will be calculated from your 62nd birthday.  For example, if my birthday is on July 30, 1944, and I would like to retiree on August 1, 2002.  The reduction will start at age 58 to age 62 based on the fact that I have earned 240 hours of Service Credit during any Plan year commencing July 1, 1989.  So, the deduction amount would be 12%.

Annually, usually in September.  Or you may receive a statement anytime upon request.

A participant is considered totally and permanently disabled for a disability pension if the service requirements are met and Social Security disability benefit has been awarded under the Federal Social Security Act.  There are additional requirements to being totally and permanently disabled.  One, you must be vested in the pension plan.  Two, you must have become disabled while under covered employment.  For a more detailed explanation, please refer to your Summary Plan Description or Plan Document.

Yes, your beneficiary will receive an amount equal to 150 percent of your employer’s contributions during the 36 months or 18 full bi-monthly reporting periods immediately preceding your death to a maximum of $10, 000.  This is in addition to any vested benefit that may be available.