Before Retirement - If you are married, your spouse is the automatic beneficiary for any Plan benefits you have earned. In order for your spouse to be eligible for benefits, you must be legally married to one another under applicable state law or the laws of a foreign jurisdiction. In addition, you must be married for 12 months before you begin benefits.

If you die before your pension benefit begins, your spouse may be eligible to receive a pre-retirement surviving spouse pension or a pre-retirement death benefit.

After Retirement - Your pension benefit is not affected when you marry after you have begun to receive a pension benefit. It is not affected because once you begin to receive a pension benefit, you cannot change the form of payment you are receiving. Your new spouse will not qualify for a survivor benefit regardless of the form of payment you are receiving.

If you divorce (whether before or after retirement), your ex-spouse may be entitled to receive a portion or all of your pension benefit in accordance with the terms of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Under the terms of a QDRO, certain payments could be made from your benefits to pay alimony, child support, or marital property rights to your former spouse, child, or other dependent. If you divorce, you must contact the Fund Office to ensure your benefits are paid properly.

If you have recently moved, please complete a Change of Address Form.