Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact our office if you have questions or need assistance with accessing your benefits. ​

​How do I change my address with the Benefit Plans?
How do I add or remove a dependent from my health care coverage?
How do I change my health or dental plans?
How do I apply for retirement?
How do I have my Pension payment directly deposited into my account?
What do I do if I have not received my Pension payment?
How do I change my tax withholding from my Pension payment?

Answers

​How do I change my address with the Benefit Plans Office?
All address changes must be done in writing with the member’s signature (or signature of the pre-authorized representative). This can be done by submitting an address change form. You can download and print the form from our forms page. You may also obtain a form by calling our office at our phone number (415) 673-8500 or (888) 372-4598.

How do I add or remove a dependent from my health care coverage?
You will need to complete a Record Change Form and submit it to the Benefit Plans Office. You can download and print the form from our forms page. You may also obtain a form by calling our office at our phone number (415) 673-8500 or (888) 372-4598.

​How do I change my health or dental plans?
The ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan provides that you may change medical and dental plans: During the annual choice period in May for coverage change effective July 1. Once at any time during the Plan Year (July 1-June 30) You can download and print the form from our forms page. You may obtain the proper forms at your ILWU Local or call our office at our phone number (415) 673-8500 or (888) 372-4598.

​How do I apply for retirement?
Retirement applications can be downloaded and printed from our forms page. You will need to complete the application, sign, and mail it to our office. You may also have a form sent to you by calling our office at our phone number (415) 673-8500 or (888) 372-4598.

​How do I have my Pension payment directly deposited into my account?
Instead of receiving your monthly Pension check through the mail, your payment can be electronically deposited into your account by completing the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Authorization Form. You can download and print the form from our forms page. You may also obtain a form by calling our office at our phone number (415) 673-8500 or (888) 372-4598.

What do I do if I have not received my Pension payment?
​Pension checks are always mailed by the 1st of the month. Please allow until the 10th of the month for receipt of your check. If you have not received your check by the 10th of the month, please call the Benefit Plans office at our phone number (415) 673-8500 or (888) 372-4598. Our office will research the status of your check and if it remains outstanding, we will place a stop payment on the check and reissue a new one. Reissued checks may take up to two weeks to be generated and mailed to you.

How do I change my tax withholding from my Pension payment?
You can change your Federal and State (California) Tax withholding by completing a Tax Election Form and mailing it to our office. You can download and print the form from our forms page. You may also obtain a form by calling our office at our phone number (415) 673-8500 or (888) 372-4598.