Other Information

How do I apply for a Pension Benefit?

A completed application for pension benefits should be submitted to the Fund Office at least 30 days, but no more than 90 days, before the date you wish your benefits to begin. You must submit satisfactory proof of the dates of birth of yourself and your spouse, and proof of marriage, along with your application. You should be aware that payment for a benefit from this Plan is not automatic. It is your obligation to contact the Fund Office and apply for your benefit. Your pension benefits will commence only after all necessary forms have been completed and returned to the Fund Administrator and will not be retroactive if you delay submitting the forms.

Appeals Procedure:

If your claim for benefits is denied, you will receive a written notice explaining the reasons for denial. You will then have 60 days after you receive the denial to request in writing to appeal your case before the Board of Trustees. You can appeal personally or through a representative. The Trustees will review any new evidence or testimony that you may have. After review, the Trustees will notify you in writing of their final decision, which will include explanations and reasons if your claim is denied.

Non-Alienation of Benefits:

You are not allowed to sign over or alienate your Plan benefits to any other person in any way. However, if the Plan receives a domestic relations court order which meets certain technical requirements prescribed by Federal law, it will be required to pay the person designated in the order the amount of your benefit specified by the court. If you know of a court order that may affect your Plan benefit, you should contact the Fund Office immediately so that all legal requirements can be met. Also, if the Plan receives a Federal tax levy on your account, it may be required to pay all or part of your benefit to the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to the levy.

Plan Insurance:

Benefits under this plan are insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) if the plan terminates. Generally, the PBGC guarantees most vested normal age retirement benefits, early retirement benefits, and certain disability and survivor’s pensions. However, PBGC does not guarantee all types of benefits under covered plans and the amount of benefit protection is subject to certain limitations.

For more information on the PBGC insurance protection and its limitations, contact the Board of Trustees or the PBGC. Inquiries to the PBGC should be addressed to the Office of Communications, PBGC, 1200 K. Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005. The PBGC Office of Communications may also be reached by calling (202) 326-4000.

Funding Medium:

The Metal Trades Branch Local 638 Pension Fund is the funding medium used for the accumulation of assets and through which benefits are provided, and which is administered by the Board of Trustees.