Payment of Contributions to the Plan establishes your eligibility for participation and benefits according to the rules of the Plan. However, all Participants need to complete the Plan's enrollment process to assist the Plan Administrator in making the proper payment of benefits.
Contributions to the VSLPTO Plan are made by signatory Employers according to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement ("CBA") or Subscribers Agreement. Most, but not all, CBAs require contributions to the VSLPTO Plan, depending upon the employee's job classification or period of Apprenticeship.
The VSLPTO Benefit Plan Year covers Contributions for the work months from September of last year through August of the current year.
The Regular Payment of VSLPTO benefits to eligible and enrolled Participants for the Plan Year is automatically made on December 1st of each year by check or direct deposit (when verifiable banking information has been submitted). No Request form is required in order to receive the annual December payment. Other options for withdrawal during the year are outlined below.
Early Withdrawals are available, by Direct Deposit only, to Participants who have completed the enrollment process, provided authorized deduction instructions and submitted verifiable banking information.
Banking information for Direct Deposit can be submitted through the MemberXG Portal in the Upload tab of the Document Center.
There are two types of Early Withdrawal available to eligible Participants:
If you want to receive your VLSPTO Benefit in two automatic distributions per year (July and December) instead of one, opt in by submitting a request through the MemberXG Portal in the Document Center or completing and returning the Election Form to the Administrative Office.
The Administrative Office will honor your request as long as your request is submitted by June 1st of the year you want to begin to receive July 1st withdrawals. July and December payouts will automatically continue every year as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements or you submit a request to change it.
July 1st Early Withdrawals will cover contributions in the Plan Year from September of last year through February of the current year. Contributions through August of the current year that are not distributed in an Early Withdrawal will be paid on December 1st.
Payments for July 1st Early Withdrawals are only made by Direct Deposit.
Beginning July 1, 2022, On Demand Early Withdrawals will be available two times per calendar year in the amount equal to your account balance on the last day of the second month prior to the request less $120. This option is in addition to the July and December payouts.
Example:
Request Date: September 15th
Balance Date: July 31st
Balance Amount: $1000
Withdrawal Amount: $880 (equal to $1,000 minus $120)
Participants must make a request for an On Demand Early Withdrawal through the MemberXG Portal and the administrative Office will issue payments by Direct Deposit once weekly.
Contributions through August of the current year that are not distributed in an Early Withdrawal will be paid on December 1st.
To be eligible for On Demand Early Withdrawals, you must have received a December 1st Regular Payment in the past and the first Contribution made on your behalf must have been for a period longer than 12 months from your request date.
Apprentices in Colorado who have successfully completed a training session as required by the Southwest Carpenters Training Fund, may request an early withdrawal through their Training Center if they have contributions available and do not meet the requirements for an On Demand Early Withdrawal.
If you believe that your contributions have not been reported correctly, you must make a claim to the Administrative Office within 1 year. Be sure to include your payroll check stubs to support your claim.
See the Summary Plan Description ("SPD") for more information regarding the payment of unfunded or late contributions.
For information regarding the payment of Late Contributions, Unfunded or Un-reported Contributions, see the SPD.
In the event of a Participant's death, benefits due will be paid to the Participant's designated beneficiary or next of kin, according to the SPD.
It is important to keep your Beneficiary Designation updated to reflect your current wishes.
See the Life Events page for additional details on Death Benefits.
Net earnings on Contributions to the Plan are used to cover administrative costs and to provide reserves. However, remaining net earnings or plan assets may be credited to your account as a Dividend at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
Dividends, when approved, will be distributed with the Regular December 1st distribution. However, no dividend will be applied to balances paid as part of an Early Withdrawal.
See the SPD for additional details.
VSLPTO benefits are paid according to the rules of the Plan. If you or your Beneficiary believe that you are entitled to benefits under the Plan and you have not been paid, you must notify the Administrative Office in writing of your claim within 180 days of the date you believe you should have been paid. If your claim is denied, you will be notified in writing and you or your Beneficiary may then petition the Board of Trustees for a review of the denial.
See the "Procedures to Follow for Filing a Claim for Benefits" and the "Procedure for Review of Denial of a Claim" in the SPD for details regarding your rights and responsibilities when making a claim or appealing the denial of a claim.
Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (PST) at:
(213) 386-8590
or
(800) 293-1370
Carpenters Southwest Administrative Corporation
533 South Fremont Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90071
