Pension Claims for Benefits (Except Disability Pensions)
You must complete an application form available from the Pension Office in order
to start a claim for monthly pension benefits. You must promptly inform the
Pension Office, preferably in writing, if you believe there is any error in
either the information contained in your annual Pension Statement from the Plan,
or in any pension payment that you receive.
The Plan will make a benefit determination within a reasonable time, but not
later than 90 days after receipt of the claim by the Plan. This 90-day period
may be extended, if special circumstances require additional time for processing
a claim, for no more than 90 additional days. If an extension is necessary, you
will be notified of the reasons and the date by which the Plan expects to render
a determination.
In the event of an adverse benefit determination, you will be notified in
writing. The notice will include:
The specific reason for the adverse benefit determination.
The specific Plan provision on which the determination was based.
A description of any additional material or information necessary to perfect the
claim and an explanation of why this information is necessary.
A statement of the claimant’s right, upon request and free of charge, to access
and to receive copies of documents, records and other information relevant to
the claim for benefits.
An explanation of the Plan’s appeal procedures, including applicable time
limits, and a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action
following an adverse benefit determination on appeal.