Work After Retirement

Q: Can I work after retirement?

A: Yes, but there are certain limits. You will be considered retired if you qualify for a pension and you have separated from covered employment for at least one month.

If you retire on a pension before age 62, your monthly pension will be suspended for the month or months that you work in the same industry, trade or craft as is covered by the Plan. You are required to notify the Fund Office within 15 days of engaging in any such employment.

If you are a pensioner, who is at least age 62 and you are not receiving a disability pension, and you return to covered employment, you will continue to receive your monthly pension benefit until such time as your earnings exceed the yearly limit established by the Trustees. Age 62 to 64 = $12,480.00 for 2006.

If you retire on a normal pension and your pension benefits were suspended due to exceeding the earnings limit established by the Trustees (Age 65 or older = $12,480.00 for 2006), you will be able to choose either of the following options upon leaving covered employment:

1. your pension benefit will be increased to reflect the deferral of pension payments for the number of months your benefit was suspended, or
2. you will receive payment of the original pension benefit amount plus a retroactive payment equal to the number of months your benefit was suspended.

If you are a pensioner over age 70, there are no restrictions and your pension benefit would not be suspended if you return to covered employment.

While pensioners over age 62 are allowed to work in covered employment in accordance with the above guidelines, a participant must have separated from covered employment for one benefit period (one month) to be considered retired. Therefore, you must separate from employment for the entire month your pension starts. Except for these limitations, you will be free to work at anything else, without effect on your pension. If you are not sure whether a particular type of employment is prohibited, you may request a ruling from the Trustees.