Long Term Monthly Disability

Participants who become totally disabled on or after July 1, 2011 may be provided a Disability benefit through the Southwest Carpenters Health and Welfare Trust.

• Has accumulated at least 5 Pension Credits under the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan without a Permanent Break in Service; and
• Has under the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan, 500 hours worked in Covered Employment since his contribution date and who has, under the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan,
• Completed at least 350 hours in Covered Employment within the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of total disability, or
• Completed sufficient hours worked in Covered Employment to earn at least 3/12 of a Future Service Credit in each of the three calendar years in the five consecutive calendar year period ended immediately prior to the calendar year in which you became totally disabled; and
• Has not worked in Non-Covered Employment after November 1, 1992, or who returned to Covered Employment after working in Non-Covered Employment and worked in such Covered Employment for at least as long as the period of Non-Covered Employment and
• Has not established an Annuity Starting Date for a Pension under the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan.

An individual receiving an Early Retirement Pension under the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan may be entitled to the supplemental long term monthly disability benefit if the individual was granted a Social Security Disability Award effective within 12 months of the date the Administrative Office received the completed Early Retirement Pension application. The individual must apply for Long Term Monthly Disability Benefits within 90 days following the date of the Social Security Disability Award. Contact the Administrative Office for the necessary application form.

The form of payment for a Totally Disabled Eligible Individual who is not married on the date of commencement of the Long Term Monthly Disability Benefit is equal to the monthly amount of the Normal Pension that would be payable solely during the life of the Eligible Individual commencing at age 65. 

If you are married, your benefits will be calculated using the 50% Qualified Surviving Spouse Pension factor. The amount of the reduction is based on the ages of the participant and his/her spouse at the time of application. There will be a smaller reduction if the spouse is older than the participant and a greater reduction if the spouse is younger. The Qualified Surviving Spouse reduction is 78% plus/minus .4% for each year the spouse is older/younger than the participant. This election remains in effect upon any subsequent separation or divorce. 

The Long Term Disability shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

• The Eligible Individual ceases to be Totally Disabled or fails to provide evidence of continued Total Disability.
• Attainment of Normal Retirement Age under the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan.
• Attainment of the conditions for qualification for an unreduced Pension under the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan.
• Establishment of an Annuity Start Date for a Pension under the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan.
• Performance of gainful employment.
• Death of the Eligible Individual.
• Application of International Reciprocal Agreement.

If deemed disabled by Social Security Administration before July 1, 2011, see the Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan for a Disability Pension.

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