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Q.
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How do I apply for the Western Teamsters Welfare Trust (WTWT) Retirees Program?
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A.
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Your eligibility for a Teamster pension benefit does not include health and welfare benefits. You must apply separately for coverage under the WTWT Retiree program. Application forms can be obtained from your Area Administrative Office and it is recommended you obtain and submit a Retirees plan application form in advance of your contemplated retirement. An application submitted later than 60 days following your retirement date (Pension effective date) will not be accepted, and you and your dependents will not qualify for coverage.
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Q.
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What requirements must I meet in order to participate in the WTWT Retiree Plan?
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A.
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You must be age 55 or older unless qualified under a "PEER" pension. You must be receiving a Teamster Pension and have earned 60 months of WTWT contributions within the prior 84 months (60/84 rule) immediately preceding your retirement date (Pension effective date).
If you fail to qualify under the 60/84 rule you may still qualify under a Alternative Eligibility Test provided that you have least earned 36 months of WTWT employer contributions within the 84 months immediately preceding your retirement date; and if your overall employment history includes a cumulative total of 180 months, or more, of WTWT contributions (or WTWT contributions combined with contributions to another IBT health and welfare trust which covers the same work classification as does WTWT) within the 300 months immediately preceding your retirement.
Contact your Area Administrative Office for specific information related to Eligibility requirements under the Retirees Plan.
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Q.
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Once I have satisfied the eligibility rules for participation and approved to participate in the Retirees Plan, am I required to pay a monthly amount?
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Yes. You must agree to make monthly Retiree Plan self-payments for yourself, and for your spouse if coverage for your spouse is desired, in an amount fixed by the Board of Trustees. The self-payment rates are adjusted annually and become effective September 1 of each year. Contact your Area Administrative Office for specific information related to the Retiree Plan self-payment costs.
If you are not yet eligible for Medicare and are receiving Disability Insurance Benefits under the Federal Social Security Act and Disability Retirement Benefits from the Teamsters Pension Trust, no self-payment will be required for yourself until such time you receive Medicare. This period will not exceed 30 months from the disability onset date or will not apply in the case of cessation of disability. Self-payment on behalf of a spouse will still be required in the above noted situation as the special rule only applies to the disabled Retiree. Contact your Area Administrative Office with questions you may have with regard to the "Special Rule for Certain Disabled Retirees".
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Q.
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What is the deadline to make my payments before I can be terminated?
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Self-payments for you and your spouse are due at the Administrative Office before the first of the month for which coverage is provided. You will not be listed as eligible for a month until your self-payment is received. You and your spouse have a 30-day grace period after the first of the month to make the required self-payment.
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Q.
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Can I suspend or postpone my coverage?
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A.
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You may suspend or postpone your Retirees Plan coverage if you have other employment-related group health coverage, either as an employee or as a dependent of your spouse. Please contact your Area Administrative Office for specific information related to the "Special Rule Allowing Postponement or Suspension of Coverage When Other Benefits Are Available"
Note: Postponement or Suspension of Retiree Plan coverage only applies if you have first filed a Retiree Plan application within sixty (60) days of your Pension effective date and have satisfied the Retiree Plan eligibility requirements and are qualified to participate.
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