Pension Trust Fund

The normal retirement age is 65 years old.

Yes, you may retire anytime on or between the ages of 55 thru 59 years old at an actuarially reduced pension, provided you are vested. If you retire on or between ages 60 thru 65 there is no reduction in your benefit. There are some individuals who may not be able to take early retirement until age 57. These same individuals will not receive a non-reduced benefit until age 62.

You should contact the Fund Office for questions regarding your pension benefits.

For your convenience, an interactive Pension Benefit Application form can be completed online. This form can be printed and returned to NECA-IBEW by mail or dropped off in person. Please do not email the Benefit Application as it contains private information and email may not be HIPAA-compliant. You may also contact the Fund Office to request a Pension Benefit Application to be mailed to you.

Yes, there are some instances in which you would qualify for a benefit even though you are not vested.

In the event of your death, the individual you last named on your data card will be the recipient of your death benefits (if eligible). It is important to complete a new data card as you have changes in your life such as marriage, divorce and dependents. If no beneficiary is named, benefits will be paid to the surviving spouse; if no surviving spouse, then to the decedent's estate.

You may name someone other than your spouse as your beneficiary for your pension benefits; however, your spouse must consent in writing to this.

Sometimes there is a delay in paying your benefits until your final hours are received in the Fund Office. For example: Hours worked in May are not received in the Fund Office until mid-June.

After June 1, 1976, or the Participation date if later, you must work at least 870 hours in a plan year (June 1st thru May 31st) to get a year of credited service.

Yes. Your rights are protected by Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). You are obligated by law to notify the Fund Office of entering the military and upon returning from duty. You are also required to seek employment upon returning from duty.

Yes:

• Always keep the Fund Office informed of your current address
• When you retire, you must submit an application for the pension benefit

If you return to work in the electrical industry, in the same trade or craft and in the same geographical area of the Pension Fund, you shall forfeit one (1) monthly pension payment for each calendar month during which you are employed forty (40) or more hours. You need to notify the Fund Office upon returning to work and upon terminating your employment. The amount of your monthly benefit may be increased if you meet certain conditions.

Yes, you should notify the Fund Office immediately if your spouse passes away. If you were receiving a reduced monthly benefit in the form of a Joint & Survivor Option your benefit will revert to the amount you would have received under the Single Life Option.

All options are a lifetime benefit for the participant. The Joint & Survivor options give you a reduced lifetime benefit which will continue for your spouse in the event of your death.
The 5-Year Certain (Early Retirement or Normal Retirement options) gives you a lifetime benefit, but if your death occurs after you have received at least 60 monthly payments (5 full years) no benefits will be payable to your beneficiary.
The 10-Year Certain (Early Retirement or Normal Retirement options) gives you a lifetime benefit, but if your death occurs after you have received at least 120 monthly payments (10 full years) no benefits will be payable to your beneficiary.