FORMS
For your convenience, many forms can be submitted electronically through our secure online portal. Some of the forms you may see available in the portal include:
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Additional documents are available through the secure online portal. Some of the documents you may see in the portal include:
FAQS
How do I change my address?
In order to change your mailing address, you must complete a Change of Address Form and return it to the Fund Office.
How do I change my name?
In order to change your name, you must complete a Change of Name Form and submit it to the Fund Office. Please include a copy of one of the following forms of documentation: current driver’s license, current state identification card, current passport, official birth certificate, official marriage certificate, or naturalization documentation.
How do I apply for my pension?
To apply for your pension benefits, you will need to request an Application for Benefits from the Fund Office. You should apply for your pension at least 90 days prior to your retirement date. Please complete, sign, notarize, and return all applicable forms to the Fund Office along with any required documentation.
How do I sign up for Direct Deposit or change the banking information for my pension benefits?
If you would like to sign up for Direct Deposit, or you already receive your benefit via Direct Deposit and need to change the bank and/or account information, please contact the Fund Office.
How do I change my pension benefit tax withholdings?
To change the amount of Federal Income Tax withheld from your pension benefit, complete a Federal Form W-4P Tax Withholding Form or Michigan Form W-4P State Tax Withholding Form and return it to the Fund Office.
How do I designate or change my beneficiary?
Complete a Pension Fund Beneficiary Designation Form and mail to the Fund Office.
What happens to my pension if I pass away prior to receiving benefits from the Plan?
There are two benefits that may be payable if you pass away prior to receiving benefits from the Plan: A Special Death Benefit and a Pre-Retirement Survivors’ Benefit or a non-spousal pre-retirement benefit.
The Special Death Benefit is paid as a lump sum to Active Participants and Retired Participants. This single sum benefit is paid to the beneficiary of the Active or Retired Participant based on the Participant’s Years of Service. An application for this benefit must be submitted within one year of the Participant’s death.
The Pre-Retirement Survivors’ Benefit applies if you and your spouse are married and have been for one year prior to your death. The Pre-Retirement Survivors’ Benefit can be paid out in one of four ways depending on the Participant’s age at the time of their death.
The Special Death Benefit is paid as a lump sum to Active Participants and Retired Participants. This single sum benefit is paid to the beneficiary of the Active or Retired Participant based on the Participant’s Years of Service. An application for this benefit must be submitted within one year of the Participant’s death.
- 5-9 Years of Service - $1,000
- 10-14 Years of Service - $2,000
- 15-19 Years of Service - $3,000
- 20 or more Years of Service - $7,000
The Pre-Retirement Survivors’ Benefit applies if you and your spouse are married and have been for one year prior to your death. The Pre-Retirement Survivors’ Benefit can be paid out in one of four ways depending on the Participant’s age at the time of their death.
- Immediate Surviving Spouse’s Benefit – If you pass away after you are eligible for an Early (55) or Normal retirement, your spouse will immediately receive the default 100% Joint and Survivor benefit paid for their life.
- Deferred Surviving Spouse’s Benefit - If you pass away before you are eligible for an Early (55) or Normal retirement, your spouse will receive the default 100% Joint and Survivor benefit paid for their life commencing when you would be eligible for an Early or Normal retirement benefit.
- Single Sum Surviving Spouse’s Benefit – Your spouse will receive a Single Sum benefit instead of monthly payments.
- Sixty (60) Months Survivor’s Benefit – Your spouse will immediately receive sixty (60) months' worth of your unreduced accrued pension benefit without any reductions.
What happens to my pension benefit if I get divorced?
Your pension credits or benefits can be divided as a result of a divorce. However, before the Pension Fund can pay a portion of your benefits to another individual, you must submit a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). This is a court order, which requires the Pension Fund to pay a portion of your benefits to either an ex-spouse, or the clerk of courts for child support.
If you divorce, you must contact the Fund Office to ensure your benefits are paid properly. A fully executed copy of your divorce decree should also be provided to the Fund Office. A copy of the procedures for handling QDROs will be provided to you, free of charge, upon request. If you have questions about QDROs, please contact the Fund Office.
Make sure the Plan has a current Pension Fund Beneficiary Designation Form on file for you. You may obtain a new form by contacting the Fund Office.
If you divorce, you must contact the Fund Office to ensure your benefits are paid properly. A fully executed copy of your divorce decree should also be provided to the Fund Office. A copy of the procedures for handling QDROs will be provided to you, free of charge, upon request. If you have questions about QDROs, please contact the Fund Office.
Make sure the Plan has a current Pension Fund Beneficiary Designation Form on file for you. You may obtain a new form by contacting the Fund Office.
How can I receive a copy of the Summary Plan Description?
Click to view the Summary Plan Description electronically, or you may contact the Fund Office to request a physical copy.