Retirees

Humana Medicare Advantage plan effective January 1, 2023

The plan's medical coverage provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and spouses will transition to a Humana Medicare Advantage plan effective January 1, 2023. Retiree support services will be provided by Labor First, a company dedicated to supporting the day-to-day service needs of union retirees. Please click here to go to RetireeFirst.com to watch a video about how this plan will work.

Labor First Announcement

Labor First Frequently Asked Questions

Retirees May Be Eligible For:

  • Retiree health benefits under the NECA-IBEW Welfare Trust Fund Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan
  • Retiree pension benefits under the NECA-IBEW Pension Trust Fund
  • Or both

 

NECA-IBEW Welfare Trust Fund

Am I eligible for retirement benefits?

You must submit an Application for Retiree Plan within a timely manner and meet specific eligibility requirements in order to qualify for health benefits under the Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan. You may also contact our office to have an application mailed to you.

Download the application for Retiree Plan  

When should I submit my application for retirement benefits?

When you apply for Social Security or for any defined benefit pension plan through the electrical industry, you need to submit your application.

If you are disabled: You need to submit your application when you apply for Social Security Disability Benefits. Social Security Disability does constitute a Retirement. Your Social Security Entitlement Date will be the effective date of your retirement.

What type of coverage will I have under the Retiree Plan of benefits?

The Retiree Plan of Benefits is medical coverage and prescription coverage. Also, the Board of Trustees is proud to announce that the Fund will be providing dental and vision benefits to retirees and their dependents with Base Plan coverage. The coverage, effective January 1, 2020, will be the same as the coverage offered to active members with Base Plan coverage.

If are currently covered under the Base Plan:

You have the option of coverage under the Retiree Base Plan or under the Retiree Alternate Plan.

If are currently covered under the Alternate Plan:

You have the option of coverage under the Retiree Alternate Plan.

What happens after I submit the application?

After your application is received you will receive written notification regarding the status of your application.

  

Retiree Summary Plan Description (SPD)

Please refer to the 2020 Summary Plan Description and Plan Document for details.

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information. 

 

 

NECA-IBEW Pension Trust Fund

What is normal retirement age?

The normal retirement age is 65 years old.

May I retire before age 65?

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

How much is my benefit?

To get an estimate of what your benefit will be, please log on to Member Benefits using this link or the Login Box at the top of this page.

When should I submit my application for retirement pension benefits?

You should submit your Application for Pension Benefits at least 30 days prior to the date in which you wish to retire. You may also contact our office to have an application mailed to you.

How long does it take for my benefits to begin once I retire?

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.
If you are a married participant you may elect a Joint & Survivor option. The Joint & Survivor options give you a reduced life time benefit which will continue for your spouse in the event of your death. The Fund offers a Joint & 100% Survivor option, Joint & 75% Survivor option and Joint & 50% Survivor option.
If you opt out of the Joint & Survivor benefit or are not married, you may elect either a 5-year certain or 10-year certain option.

 

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information.