Western States Office and Professional Employees Pension Fund

I am ready to retire, what do I need to do?

In order for your pension benefit to start you will need to notify the Plan Administrator Office at least 90 days before your benefit will begin. You may request an application form over the phone or print an application form from this website. At the time that you apply for your pension benefit it will be required that you provide satisfactory evidence of your age. The most satisfactory evidence is a copy of your birth certificate. If you are married, it will be necessary for you to provide evidence of your spouse’s birth date, similar in nature to that required for yourself, as well as proof of marriage. If you have been divorced, you will need to submit a copy of the divorce decree or QDRO.

How soon can I retire if I want to retire before the normal retirement age of 65?

Early retirement benefits may begin on the first day of the month specified in your Pension Application, but no earlier than the month following the month in which you turn 55.

Is my retirement benefit reduced if I retire early?

Generally speaking, the benefit is reduced for retirements prior to age 65. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Please refer to your Plan booklet for additional guidelines.

Can I put money into my Pension Fund?

This Plan is funded through employer contributions. Your employer pays contributions, per a collective bargaining agreement, to finance the Plan. No contributions are required by or permitted from you.

How often will I receive a Pension Statement from the Plan Administrator?

Annually.

If I receive  a Social Security award under the Federal Social Security Act does that make me eligible for disability pension through the Western States Office and Professional Employees Pension Fund?

If you incur a total and long-term disability, you will be eligible for a disability benefit if you: (1) earned five years of vesting credit; (2) had contributions made on our behalf for at least 200 hours of work during the 12 month period immediately preceding the onset of the disability; (3) submit evidence of disability satisfactory to the Board of Trustees. A Social Security Disability may be evidence of your disability but will not be the sole criteria to determine if you will receive a disability pension; (4) You must be younger than 55 years to be eligible for a disability pension. For more detailed explanation, please refer to your Plan Booklet.

If I die prior to retirement is there a payable benefit?

Yes. Please refer to your Plan Booklet for details.

Once I retire can I return to work?

After you have retired and are receiving benefits, your monthly benefits will be suspended if you return to work for a participating Employer and have 40 or more hours of work per month for three consecutive months. Your pension benefits may be reinstated upon application, after you have less than 40 hours of work in a month. Please refer to your Plan Booklet for additional guidelines.