Beneficiary Designation Overview

Beneficiary Designation Form for your Health, Pension, and Annuity Benefits

This form allows you to designate or update the individuals who would receive the benefits in the event of your passing. Ensuring that your beneficiary information is up to date is an important step in making sure your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are properly provided for. If you fail to designate a Beneficiary, or if no Beneficiary survives you, Benefits will be paid to the person(s) specified in the Plan Document(s).

Photocopies and screenshots will not be accepted. The completed form must be mailed to the Fund Office. If you do not return a new beneficiary form, you will be considered to have no designated beneficiary. Death benefits shall be payable in the following order: Spouse, child or children in equal parts, mother, father, or the Executor or Administrator of the Deceased Participant. Please note that Beneficiary forms dated before 2024 are now null and void.

Beneficiary Designation FAQs

Why is it important to have an up-to-date Beneficiary Form?

Upon the Death of a Vested Benefit Fund Participant, there may be Benefits that are payable from the Fund Office to a surviving spouse, family member, friend, trust, etc. This Form is used to identify who will receive those Benefits. Outside of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, this document supersedes any document such as a will, trust, or designation of assets. Therefore, if you wish to change your Beneficiary/Beneficiaries, you will need to complete a new Beneficiary Form.

Who do I list as my Primary Beneficiary?

Your Primary Beneficiary/Beneficiaries are the first in line to receive Benefits available from the Fund(s). If your Primary Beneficiary becomes an ex-spouse, then and only then, the Contingent Beneficiary/Beneficiaries will receive the Benefits.

If you are married at the time of your passing, your Pension and Annuity Fund Benefits will be paid out to your Spouse only. Health Fund Benefits will be paid out to the Beneficiary/Beneficiaries designated.

Do I need to name a Contingent Beneficiary?

Can I name more than one Beneficiary?

Can I name change my Beneficiary later?

What if I do not name a Beneficiary?

If at the death of a Participant, there is no surviving designated beneficiary, or a completed Beneficiary Designation Form has not been returned to the Fund Office, the Death Benefit shall be payable to the surviving relatives of such Participant in the following order: Spouse, child or children in equal parts, mother, father, or to the Executor or Administrator of the Deceased Participant.

Should I keep a copy of my Beneficiary Form?

Does the Beneficiary Form need a Witness Signature?

Yes, it is important to make sure your completed Beneficiary Form has a witness signature. Having a witness sign your Beneficiary Form provides legal protection, supports authenticity, and helps ensure the Participant’s true intentions are honored, especially during inheritance or legal challenges. Forms without a witness signature are considered invalid and will be returned to you for completion.

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Qualify for 10 UCAN Points

Completing and returning the new Beneficiary Form will qualify you for ten (10) UCAN points from the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council. Click the button to download the UCAN app.

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