NOTE: There are two types of crediting for Pension, one is "vesting credit" and the other is "benefit credit."

What does “vesting” mean?

It means that you have the right to collect your retirement benefit. When you become "vested," your pension benefit becomes "non-forfeitable" which means that you will be entitled to a pension benefit when you reach retirement age and retire in accordance with the rules of the plan.

How long does it take
to vest?

You must have 5 years of vesting credit to be vested.

Does it matter if I am
full-time or part-time for vesting credit?

NO.

FOOD: 150 hours per calendar year.

PLAN A-110, B-110: 750 hours for initial participation, then 150 hours per calendar year.

DRUG: You must have 300 hours of covered service in a calendar year.

What does "benefit credits" mean?

Benefit credits determine the amount of money you will receive when you retire.

How do you receive a
full benefit credit?

Food and Drug: By working 1,800 reportable hours in a calendar year.

Does it matter if I am
full-time or part-time
to earn benefit credits?

Yes, full-time earns 1 benefit credit in each calendar year (if 1,800 hours are worked). Part time earns a pro-rated fraction based on reportable hours worked.

How are my
Pension Credits
affected when I am
out on disability,
workers’ comp.,
strikes, etc.?

You are credited with six hours of covered service per day for each day of disability or workers’ compensation up to a maximum of 1,800 hours of covered service during your lifetime. (Provided that your disability started on or after September 1, 1990.)

Drug rules are the same as food for disability and workers’ compensation (provided your disability started on or after July 1, 1995).

No pension credits are given while on strike.

Once I am retired,
how many hours am
I allowed to work?

Food: 40 hours in a four week pay period, and 50 hours in a five week pay period.

Drug: 70 hours a month.

How much is my pension reduced if I elect the joint
and survivors option?

Food is reduced by 5%, unless your spouse is more than 5 years younger. Drug is at least a 10% reduction depending on the age difference between you and your spouse.

If I die before retirement,
will my spouse receive
my pension?

If you are vested and die before retirement, your surviving spouse will receive lifetime pension payments (payments will begin on the first of the month after you would have reached age 50).

If I die, will my spouse have medical benefits?

If you die before retirement, there will be no medical for your spouse.

How far in advance should I apply for pension?

Two months before retirement.