From the Desk of Secretary Treasurer Ryan Ruf,
As union members, we fight hard for wages, health care, retirement, and jobsite safeties. But too often, we overlook one of the most personal and important aspects of our union benefits: who receives them when we’re gone.
Whether it’s your pension, life insurance, annuity, or health care continuation rights, most union benefits include a beneficiary designation. This is someone you’ve named to receive your benefits if something happens to you. It might sound like a small detail but getting it wrong or forgetting to update it can leave your loved ones in a difficult legal battle, or even with nothing at all.
Imagine this: you filled out your union benefit forms years ago and listed an ex-partner, a parent, or even left the beneficiary line blank. If something happens to you today, that outdated choice may determine where your hard-earned benefits go. In some cases, if there’s no beneficiary listed, the funds may go to your estate or be delayed by probate court.
Union members often assume benefits will “automatically” go to a spouse or children, but that’s not always true. The paperwork matters.
What You Should Do Today
- Review your beneficiary forms for your:
- Pension and Defined Contribution (DC) accounts
- Health and Welfare life insurance
- 401K, Annuity, or supplemental benefit funds
- Any voluntary union life insurance policies
- Update your designations if your family situation has changed: due to marriage, divorce, children, or the passing of a previous beneficiary.
- Talk to your union office or benefits administrator to confirm your records are current. It only takes a few minutes to request the form and make sure your wishes are legally documented.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
We work hard for these benefits. Making sure your loved ones are protected is a final act of care and responsibility. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
If you’re unsure who your current beneficiary is (or if one is even listed) call the Union Hall or the Trust Fund office. They can walk you through it.
Need help updating your beneficiary? For Brick, PCC, Terrazzo, and Marble Trades Contact BAC Local 3’s Trust Fund Office at 1-888-208-0250 or visit www.bac3-brickbenefits.org For Tile Layers and Tile Finishers Contact NCTI Trust Fund Office at 1-888-208-0250 or visit www.bac3tilebenefits.org.