Pension & Retirement
To help you save for a comfortable retirement, Local UA 32 members have access to several retirement plans. Learn more about these plans, and how to make the most of your retirement benefits.
Plan for Your Retirement
While you may not be planning to retire anytime soon, there are things you can do now to help ensure you have the funds you need when you need them. As a Local 32 member you have access to several pension plans, including a 401(k) plan, as well as a no-cost estate planning services. Click on the tabs below to learn more about what you can do to prepare for your retirement. Please refer to your most recent plan booklets for full details.
- WA State Pension Plan
- UA National Pension
- Supplemental Pension/401(k)
- Retiree Medical
- Trust & Will Services
Washington State Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry Pension Plan
The Washington State Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry Pension Plan provides retirement income paid monthly for your lifetime. The Pension Plan is funded by contributions made on your behalf by your employer. Assets are managed by the Trustees with the assistance of investment advisors in accordance with a written investment policy.
About your plan benefits
Participation
You become a participant in the Pension Plan the first date your employer is required to make contributions to the Plan on your behalf.
Contributions
Contributions are made by your employer based on the negotiated wage rate for your trade and classification. Participants are not allowed to directly contribute to the Plan.
Vesting
Being vested in the Plan means that you have the right to the benefits you have earned, and they cannot be forfeited. You are vested once you complete 3 years of service (870 hours of covered employment per calendar year for 3 years). Please note, if you leave your covered employment before you are vested you could forfeit your benefit.
Receiving benefits
If you are vested, you become eligible for benefits at normal retirement (age 62), if you meet the requirements for early retirement, or if you are permanently or totally disabled. Benefits are paid according to the payment option you choose when you retire and cannot be changed after the effective date of your pension (even if you get divorced or married after you retire). If you die before you retire, your spouse or beneficiary will be eligible for a benefit provided you are vested in the Plan.
Actions to take prior to retirement
Designate your beneficiary. In case of your death, it is important that you have designated your beneficiary to ensure they receive your earned benefits
Keep your contact information up to date with the Plan
Gather documents you will need to expedite your application, such as:
- Proof of your age – certified birth certificate or passport
- Proof of your spouse’s age – certified birth certificate or passport
- Proof of relationship status – marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.
Applying for benefits
Applying for your benefits is a three-step process:
At least 3-6 months before you retire, call the plan administrator’s office at (206) 691-1374 and request a retirement application or visit www.ua-benefits-wa.org. Submit the form with required documentation.
Submit the form with all required documentation.
Once you are determined eligible and your benefit options have been calculated, an Election of Benefits Packet will be sent to you. Please complete with your selections and return it to the plan administrator’s office.
Who to contact
If you have questions, need a form or additional information, please visit www.ua-benefits-wa.org or contact:
BeneSys
5200 Southcenter Blvd. Suite #205
Tukwila, WA 98188
Phone: (206) 694-1374
Toll Free: (888) 406-3246
Fax: (206) 788-8398
If you have questions or need help, please contact the UA Local 32 business office at (425) 277-6680 and ask to speak with the Benefits Specialist.
United Association National Pension Fund
The United Association National Pension Fund provides retirement benefits for employees who are part of UA Local 32. As a defined benefit plan, contributions are made on your behalf by your employer, and participants do not make direct contributions. Your UA pension plan provides you a monthly retirement benefit based on your hours worked, number of years of service, and age at retirement.
About your plan benefits
Participation
You become a participant in the Pension Plan the first date your employer is required to make contributions to the Plan on your behalf.
Contributions
Contributions are made by your employer based on the negotiated wage rate for your trade and classification. Participants are not allowed to directly contribute to the Plan.
Vesting
Being vested in the Plan means that you have the right to the benefits you have earned, and they cannot be forfeited. You are vested once you complete 5 years of service with at least 870 hours of covered employment per calendar year. Please note, if you leave your covered employment before you are vested you could forfeit your benefit.
Receiving benefits
If you are vested, you become eligible for benefits either at normal retirement, or if you meet the requirements for early retirement, or if you are permanently or totally disabled. Benefits are paid according to the payment option you choose when you retire and cannot be changed after the effective date of your pension (even if you get divorced or married after you retire). If you die before you retire, your spouse or beneficiary will be eligible for a benefit provided you are vested in the Plan.
Actions to take prior to retirement
Designate your beneficiary. In case of your death, it is important that you have designated your beneficiary to ensure they receive your earned benefits
Keep your contact information up to date with the Fund
Gather documents you will need to expedite your application, such as:
- Proof of your age – certified birth certificate or passport
- Proof of your spouse’s age – certified birth certificate or passport
- Proof of relationship status – marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.
Applying for benefits
Applying for your retirement benefits is a three-step process:
At least 3-6 months before you retire, call the Fund office at (800) 638-7442 and request a retirement application or visit www.uanpf.org. Submit the form with required documentation.
Submit the form with all required documentation.
Once you are determined eligible and your benefit options have been calculated, an Election of Benefits Packet will be sent to you. Please complete with your selections and return it to the Fund office.
Who to contact
If you have questions, need a form, or additional information, please visit www.uanpf.org or contact:
United Association National Pension Fund
103 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Toll-free: (800) 638-7442
Español: (800) 638-7442 ext. 93333
If you have questions or need help, please contact the UA Local 32 business office at (425) 277-6680 and ask to speak with the Benefits Specialist.
For full details please see your Pension Plan Summary Plan Description.
Western Washington U.A. Supplemental Pension Plan - 401(k)
401(k) plans are a retirement savings account offered as part of your benefits package. Contributions to the 401(k) are made by your employer as part of your wage package. Unlike a defined benefit pension plan, you can contribute a portion of your wages to your 401(k) to add to the funds contributed by your employer. Making these self-contributions can make a big impact on your retirement savings. This is one of the best ways to grow your retirement savings overtime and ensure that you have enough funds when you are ready to retire.
About your plan benefits
Participation
Your participation in this plan starts as soon as you begin work in an approved job classification.
Contributions
Contributions are made by your employer and are based on your bargaining agreement. You may also elect to make additional pre-tax or after-tax contributions that are deducted automatically from your wages up to Plan or IRS limits. To start self-contributing, complete the Voluntary Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k) Contribution Form and return it to your employer.
Vesting
You own 100% of the funds in your 401(k) and are always vested.
Receiving benefits
The Plan is primarily a long-term retirement savings program. If you move to a non-participating employer, you can roll over your funds to a new qualified defined contribution fund without penalty, or if you choose to withdraw your funds you will pay taxes on the full amount. However, hardship withdrawals are available in certain circumstances (see Plan booklet). You can receive benefits under the Plan when:
No contributions are received for six consecutive months
You reach age 55 and retire (early retirement)
You reach age 60 and retire (normal retirement)
You become totally and permanently disabled for at least three months, or
You die (paid to your designated beneficiary)
Actions to take prior to retirement
Set your self-contribution amount by completing the Voluntary Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k) Contribution form. Curious about how much you will need to retire? Visit https://login.millimanonline.com and login to use the benefits calculator
Choose your investments at millimanbenefits.com. If you do not make a selection, your account will default to an age-appropriate Target Date Retirement Fund
Designate your beneficiary. In case of your death, it is important that you have designated your beneficiary to ensure they receive your earned benefits
Keep your contact information up to date
Applying for benefits
You may need to contact the Trust Office or Local 32 business office to ensure your employment status is accurate in the Milliman system before you can initiate a withdrawal. Then, contact the Milliman Benefits Service Center at (800) 481-7336 or go online to millimanbenefits.com to initiate a withdrawal. Submit the completed form with required documentation. Depending on the amount in your account you may choose to receive a lump sum, monthly annuity, or another installment or distribution schedule.
Who to contact
Please update your personal information (address, phone number, marital status, etc.) with the Trust Office (BeneSys) at (206) 694-1374 before calling the Milliman Benefits Service Center. You can create an account and login to review your work history hours and contributions at www.ua-benefit-wa.org.
For questions about your investment options and Plan account, contact the recordkeeper:
Milliman Benefits Service Center
PO Box 601524
Dallas, TX 75360-1524
(800) 481-7336
You can review your account balances at millimanbenefits.com.
For full details please see your Summary Plan Booklet.
Retiree Medical
Local 32 members have many options to maintain their health coverage after retirement, both for Medicare-eligible and non-Medicare retirees.
Learn more about Retiree Medical Plans.
Estate planning gives your loved ones clarity and peace of mind, and lets you make decisions today about what should happen if you are unable to make decisions in the future. Many people don’t have an estate plan because it can be expensive, time consuming, and difficult to work with attorneys. That’s why Local 32 has partnered with the leading digital estate planning provider, Trust & Will, to provide you with an easy-to-use tool to create an estate plan. This service is offered at no cost to you and will come with a beautiful and detailed packet that will make it simple for your loved ones with clear information that your family can rely on.
Who needs an estate plan?
Anyone who is or has been married, has children or others they care for, is planning for retirement, has health concerns, or would simply like to make end-of-life planning for loved ones.
Types of plans
Trust-Based Estate Plan—Get all of the coverage of a Will-Based plan, plus avoid probate court by transferring your most important assets. Includes:
Revocable Living Trust
Schedule of Assets
Pour Over Will
HIPAA Authorization
Living Will
Power of Attorney
Certification of Trust
Will-Based Estate Plan—A plan for who will look after your children, what should happen to your assets, and how you’d like to be cared for when you need it. Includes:
Last Will & Testament
HIPAA Authorization
Living Will
Power of Attorney
How does it work?
Think of Trust & Will like the “TurboTax of estate planning”. They make it easy to create a Will Plan or Trust Plan in around 30 minutes without the need for an attorney. They can help you decide which plan is right for you, securely gather your information, and build a plan for you that is legally valid, state specific, and created to meet your individual needs.
Answer a few simple questions.
Create your estate plan by deciding what’s right for you and your family with options that are customized to your specific needs.Instantly download or ship your documents.
Instantly download your documents or request a complimentary shipment.Sign and notarize at your convenience.
Finalize your documents and make them legally binding with your signature and a notary.
How to get started
Contact the UA Local 32 business office at (425) 277-6680 to receive the dedicated link to Trust & Will to get started. Once on the dedicated Local 32 site, set up an account with your email and password. The service is free so you will not need to provide a credit card, and any costs mentioned will be automatically removed at checkout. There is a quiz to help you pick the best plan for you and prompts to guide you through the process.