Pension Plan (the Pension Trust Fund for the Electrical Industry)

You’re in right away. You are a participant in the Plan after you complete one hour of service in covered employment.

These factors determine your pension amount:

• The type of pension applied for
• Your hourly pay rate*
• Your employer’s contribution rate at the time of your retirement
• Your Pension Credits (years of service)
• Your age and the age of your spouse, in the case of a Husband and Wife Pension

*The unit credit applicable to retirements after June 1, 2016 for a participant whose contractual rate of pay is at least the “A” rate of pay and whose employer contributes at least 27.61% is $85 per month for each Pension Credit. Here's an example calculation.

Participants whose contractual rate of pay is less than the “A” rate of pay or whose employers contribute more than 8.5% but less than 27.61% will receive a unit benefit amount based on a formula. Here's an example calculation.

Participants who work for employers who contribute 8.5% will receive a benefit calculated on the basis of $8.50 per month for each Pension Credit.

Pension Credits are used to determine the amount of your benefit and the type of benefit you’re eligible for. The number of Pension Credits you have is generally based on your years of service.

You are fully vested after you have completed five years of service. However, if you ended work in covered employment before October 1, 1999, you needed 10 years of service to become fully vested. Being vested means you have earned an irrevocable right to your benefit and it cannot be cancelled or taken away.

There are five pension types available. Each has its own eligibility requirements and level of benefits:

• Normal
• Standard
• Early Retirement Standard
• Vested
• Disability

How your pension is paid depends on your marital status at retirement:

• If you’re married, your pension benefit will be paid as a Joint and Survivor Pension unless you and your spouse choose a Lifetime Annuity.
• If you’re single, your pension benefit will be paid as a Single Lifetime Annuity and will terminate upon your death.

If you'd like more information about the Joint and Survivor Pension option, you can review our helpful summary or your Summary Plan Description.

Start collecting. You must begin receiving your pension by April 1 of the calendar year following the year you reach age 73.