Retirement - Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Benefit Funds

Surviving Spouse Benefit Options

Retirement / Construction Pension Fund / Benefit Options
  • What benefits are available to my spouse if I die after I retire?

    During your retirement application process, you and your spouse determine what type of benefits will be available after your death. With your spouse’s consent, you can elect;

    • 100% joint & survivor option, or
    • 75% joint & survivor option, or
    • 50% joint & survivor option, or
    • 60 Certain Guaranty Benefit.

    Get more information and see comparisons in the Summary Plan Description.

  • Are There Any Survivor Benefits if I Die Before I retire?

    Yes. There are three types of survivor benefits payable before retirement if you are vested, but your spouse is entitled to only one. They are as follows:

    1. Pre-Retirement 100% Spouse’s Benefit

    The Pre-Retirement 100% Spouse’s Benefit provides a lifetime benefit to your surviving spouse if you die before your pension begins.

    • If you are age 55 or older, the benefit is equal to the pension benefit you would have received if you had retired the day before your death.
    • If you are younger than age 55, the benefit is determined as if you were age 55 at the time of your death.
    Certain eligibility requirements apply.
    2. 60 Certain Guaranty Benefit

    The 60 Certain Guaranty is payable if, at the time of your death, you are vested, at least age 55, and:

    • Not married; or
    • Married for less than one year

    If you are age 55 and you die before you actually retire, your beneficiary will receive a monthly benefit payable for a total of 60 payments guaranteed. This benefit is equal to the amount of the pension for which you were qualified.

    3. Death Benefit Pension Benefit

    If you die before you reach age 55, a death benefit pension will be payable to your spouse who is not eligible for the Pre-Retirement 100% Spouse’s Benefit if you have either:

    • 15 or more Years of Pension Credit; OR
    • 10 Years of Pension Credit and you earned at least ½ Year of Pension Credit in the calendar year in which you die or the immediately preceding calendar year.

    The amount of the Death Benefit Pension is equal to your pension credit multiplied by $875.00. This amount is divided by 60 and is paid to your beneficiary in 60 equal monthly payments guaranteed.

  • Can I Choose What Type of Survivor Benefit My Spouse Will Receive?

    Yes. If you are at least age 55, you may reject the Pre-Retirement 100% Spouse’s Benefit and elect the Pre-Retirement Sixty Certain Guarantee to be paid if you die before you commence pension benefits. In order to make this election, you must obtain your spouse’s consent on a form provided by the Pension Fund. Spousal consent must be notarized. Contact the Pension Fund Office for more information.

Questions?

Contact the Retirement Benefits Department

(312) 787-9455, menu option 4
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
retirement@carpenterbenefits.org