1. How do I change my mailing address?
Contact the Trust Fund office at (707) 526-1996.
2. When do I become covered (vested)?
You automatically become covered (vested) on the day
contributions are made on your behalf.
3. What is a Variable Pension Plan?
There are six classifications of employees under this Plan,
which are based on industry seniority under the Collective
Bargaining Agreement, and the attainment of advanced levels
of experience in the trade. Please refer to the Collective
Bargaining Agreement for further clarification of the six
classifications.
4. When is Pension Open Enrollment?
The Local Union mails out the Pension Open Enrollment
election form in September and the deadline to complete and
return the election form with any specified changes is October
1. The effective date of the change will be December 1.
5. When may I retire from the Redwood Empire Electrical
Workers Individually Allocated Pension Plan?
When you reach age 55 (Normal Retirement Age) regardless
of the number of years you have worked.
6. Can I withdraw the Contribution made for me before my
Retirement Date?
Yes, under certain conditions. If you do not work under the
Collective Bargaining Agreement for a twelve consecutive
month period, you can withdraw the value of your entire Basic
Account if that value is less than $15,000.
If the value of your combined Basic and Voluntary Accounts is
$5,000 or more, you cannot receive a cash distribution unless
your spouse consents in writing.
If the value is $15,000 or greater, your Basic Account will
remain with the Plan until you retire or die. Benefits will then
be paid in accordance with the Plan provisions.
7. If I have $15,000 or greater in my account and I am under
age 55, is there any other option for accessing my Pension
funds?
Two options may be available to borrow against your Pension for
"active" participants. "Active" shall mean that a contribution has
been made on the participant's behalf within the previous 12 months.
One of which is to borrow against your funds to use toward the
purchase of your primary residence. Two, is to borrow against
your funds to save your home from foreclosure. The minimum you
may borrow is $1,000 and the maximum you may borrow is the
lesser of 50% of your account balance or $50,000. Contact
Redwood Empire Electrical Workers Trust Fund directly to request
more information or to request your application. Further information
is listed under Loan Option within the Defined Contribution Pension
information.