Pension Benefit Eligibility

1199SEIU Health Care Employees Pension Fund

Members become participants in the Pension Fund if their bargaining unit is covered by a contract requiring employers to make contributions to the Fund, and when their employer begins making contributions to the Fund on their behalf. Members become vested in the Pension Fund after five years of credited service and/or vesting service. See your Summary Plan Description (SPD) for more detailed information.

Read more about eligibility and a summary of health benefits after retirement.

1199SEIU Greater New York Pension Fund

Members become eligible to participate in the Fund’s Pension Plan on the earlier of January 1 or July 1, after completing 870 hours of Covered Employment within 12 consecutive months for an employer that contributes to the Pension Fund. For questions about eligibility, check your Summary Plan Description or call (646) 473-8666.

You are eligible for retiree health benefits through the Greater New York Benefit Fund if you:

  • Retire after age 62, or on a disability pension
  • Have at least 25 years of credited or vesting service with a contributing employer
  • Are  an active member covered by the 1199SEIU Benefit Fund immediately  before you retire. If you retire early and defer your pension, you may  not be eligible for retiree health benefits.

1199SEIU Home Care Employees Pension Fund

Members become participants in the Pension Fund if their bargaining unit is covered by a contract requiring employers to make contributions to the Fund, and when their employer begins making contributions to the Fund on their behalf.

Members become vested in the Pension Fund after earning 5 pension credits, which are based on the hours worked per calendar year after January 1, 1997. If a member works 1,000 hours or more in a calendar year, they have earned one pension credit. For service before January 1, 2002, the hours required may vary.

For questions about eligibility, check your Summary Plan Description or call (646) 473-8666.