Welcome to the UFCW Unions & Employers Benefit Funds Website!
If you can't find what you're looking for here, please visit the contact page to connect with one of our experts.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I apply for my pension?
To apply for your pension, you will need to request an Application for Benefits from the Fund Office. You should apply for your pension at least 90 days prior to your retirement date. Please complete the forms and mail along with any noted required documentation to the Fund Office.
How do I sign up for Direct Deposit or change the banking information for my pension payments?
If you would like to sign up for Direct Deposit, or you already receive your benefit via Direct Deposit and need to change bank and/or account information, please contact the Fund Office.
How do I change my pension payment tax withholdings?
To change the amount of Federal Income Tax withheld from your pension payment, complete a W4-P Federal Tax Withholding Form and return it to the Fund Office.
How do I change my address?
In order to change your mailing address, you must complete a Change of Address Form and mail to the Fund Office.
What happens to my pension if I pass away prior to receiving benefits from the Plan?
There are two types of benefits that may be payable if you pass away prior to receiving benefits from the Plan: a Survivor Pension or a Spouse Pension.
The Survivor Pension applies if you pass away within two years of when you last worked in Covered Employment. The Survivor Pension is payable to your surviving Spouse and is payable monthly, beginning with the first day of the month after your death, and will continue for the lifetime of your Spouse. In addition, after your Spouse's death (or if you are not married, at the time of your death), the Survivor Pension is divided equally among your surviving dependent children. The amount of this Survivor Pension generally is equal to 50% of your full Normal Pension, calculated as if you had retired on your date of death. However, if your Spouse is more than 5 years younger than you, the amount will be further reduced because of the longer expected payment period.
The Spouse Pension applies if you pass away more than 2 years after you last worked in Covered Employment. The Spouse Pension is payable monthly to your surviving Spouse, beginning with the first day of the month after your death or, if later, the first day of the month after the date you would have attained age 55. This benefit will be payable to your Spouse for their lifetime. No benefit is payable if you are not married at the time of your death. The amount of the Spouse Pension is the same as the pension that would have been payable to your spouse, had you retired under the 50% Joint and Survivor Pension on the day of death or when you would have been age 55, whichever is later. The 50% Joint and Survivor Pension automatically considers your age, had you survived, and your Spouse's age at the time benefits commence to your Spouse.
The Survivor Pension applies if you pass away within two years of when you last worked in Covered Employment. The Survivor Pension is payable to your surviving Spouse and is payable monthly, beginning with the first day of the month after your death, and will continue for the lifetime of your Spouse. In addition, after your Spouse's death (or if you are not married, at the time of your death), the Survivor Pension is divided equally among your surviving dependent children. The amount of this Survivor Pension generally is equal to 50% of your full Normal Pension, calculated as if you had retired on your date of death. However, if your Spouse is more than 5 years younger than you, the amount will be further reduced because of the longer expected payment period.
The Spouse Pension applies if you pass away more than 2 years after you last worked in Covered Employment. The Spouse Pension is payable monthly to your surviving Spouse, beginning with the first day of the month after your death or, if later, the first day of the month after the date you would have attained age 55. This benefit will be payable to your Spouse for their lifetime. No benefit is payable if you are not married at the time of your death. The amount of the Spouse Pension is the same as the pension that would have been payable to your spouse, had you retired under the 50% Joint and Survivor Pension on the day of death or when you would have been age 55, whichever is later. The 50% Joint and Survivor Pension automatically considers your age, had you survived, and your Spouse's age at the time benefits commence to your Spouse.
What happens to my pension if I get divorced?
Your pension credits or benefits can be divided as a result of a divorce. However, before the Pension Fund can pay a portion of your benefits to another individual, we must receive a Qualified Domestic Relations Order. This is a court order, which requires the Pension Fund to pay a portion of your benefits to either an ex-spouse, or the clerk of courts for child support. If you divorce, you must contact the Fund Office to ensure your benefits are paid properly. A copy of the Fund’s procedures for handling QDROs will be provided to you, free of charge, upon request. If you have questions about QDROs, please contact the Fund Office.
Who do I contact with questions?
If you have any questions about your pension, contact the Fund Office at (847) 720-0008 or
(800) 621-5133.
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