In
March of every other year, the Pension Fund mails an Annual
Statement to
each Pensioner and Beneficiary whose pension was effective
prior to January 1st of the same year.
When you receive your statement, you are urged to complete and return it as
soon as possible. A delay could affect your future benefit payments.
What is an Annual Statement?
Every other
year, the Pension Fund asks each Pensioner and Beneficiary
to certify
that he is the person actually receiving and endorsing the
checks and that he continues to satisfy the Plan’s
requirements for a pension benefit. The purpose of the Annual Statement is
to insure that individuals receiving monthly benefits are still
entitled to those benefits. This not only protects the assets
of the Fund, but protects
you, the Plan
Participant. It’s your money and should only be paid out in accordance
with the rules of the Plan.
How to Complete an Annual Statement
Depending on the type of pension benefit you were awarded, you will be
asked to complete and return one of the following annual statements. The instructions appearing in this article are only a
summary of those printed on the actual statement. It is, therefore, important that you read and follow the instructions printed
on the Annual Statement.
- SSA DISABILITY - If you are a Disability Pensioner,
receiving Social Security benefits, you are asked to return the statement along with a letter from the Social Security
Administration stating you are still receiving a “Social Security Disability” benefit. The letter from Social
Security must state you are receiving “Disability Benefits”; otherwise, it will be returned as incomplete. A
copy of your Social Security check cannot be accepted as proof of a Social Security Disability benefit.
- FUND DISABILITY - If you are a Disability Pensioner,
not receiving Social Security benefits, sign the statement authorizing release of medical information. Have your physician
complete the “Doctor’s Statement” on the reverse side, certifying your continued disability.
- BENEFICIARY - If you are a Beneficiary, complete the
statement indicating you are receiving and personally endorsing each benefit check. Your signature must be witnessed before
a Notary Public, Union Official, or Fund Representative. Important: You must sign the document in the presence of a
witness; do not sign it beforehand.
- CONSERVATOR - If you are receiving a pension benefit on
behalf of a mentally or physically incapacitated Pensioner,
you should complete the statement certifying that the pension
checks are used for the maintenance and support of the
Pensioner. Sign the statement before a Notary Public.
- PENSIONER - As a Pensioner (other than 1, 2 or 4
above), you are asked to complete the statement indicating whether you were employed during the previous year. If so, you
should complete the reverse side of the statement, listing all of your employment activities for the year. Sign the
statement before a Notary Public, Union Official, or Fund Representative.
What happens if I don’t return the statement?
If we don't receive your statement by May 31st, we will not release
future monthly benefit checks, beginning with your June benefit payment.
If we don’t receive your statement by August 31st, your Pension will
terminate, as well as, health and welfare coverage if you have this coverage.
Pension and health and welfare benefits may be reinstated once
we receive a completed annual statement.
IMPORTANT - To avoid a delay or termination of your pension,
remember these simple steps:
- Read and follow the instructions.
- Complete and sign the statement.
- Return the statement as soon as possible.
