How do I apply for Benefits?

In order to apply for benefits, you or your designated beneficiary must complete an Application for Retirement Benefits.  This application is available from the Fund Office and must be completed with the appropriate documents attached.  You will need to submit the following documents when applying for a Normal, Non-Reduced Early, Early, Severance, or Disability Retirement Benefit:

1. An Application for Retirement,
2. State Certified birth certificate for you and your spouse (if married),
3. State Certified marriage license (if married),
4. A copy of your divorce decree (if divorced),
5. A Social Security Awards Letter (if divorced), and
6. A copy of your Union Card showing your initiation date.

Other acceptable evidence of your Proof of Age are (listed in order of preference):

1. Official Infant Baptism Certificate showing date of birth;
2. Certified copy of School Age Record;
3. Certified copy of Page of Family Bible showing birth record;
4. Naturalization Papers;
5. Passport;
6. Life Insurance Policy issued at least five (5) years ago by a company; or
7. Qualified military service record.

If you are a surviving Spouse and entitled to a monthly benefit, you will need to submit a State Certified Death Certificate.

If the participant was not receiving a monthly pension benefit, you will also need to submit:

1. An Application for Retirement;
2. State Certified birth certificate for deceased participant and yourself; and
3. State Certified marriage license.