The Division A Pension
The union has negotiated with employers covered by the Division A contract in New York City to contribute to the Division A Pension Fund.
The value of a member’s pension benefit is based on the number of pension credits they have earned over their career, as well as what age they retire, if they are married, and which joint survivor benefit they elect.
Earning pension credits
Pension credits are awarded based on a member’s hours worked in covered employment, up to a maximum of 1 pension credit per calendar year. Members who work at least 870 hours earn 1 pension credit under this plan. Members can earn partial credits under the plan. If a member works between 435 and 652 hours, they can earn ½ pension credit and if a member works between 653 and 869 hours, they can earn ¾ pension credit.
Becoming vested
Members earn a permanent right to a pension benefit once they are “vested” in the pension plan. As of October 1, 1998, to become vested, a member must have earned 5 pension credits.
Pension benefit
The Division A pension benefit increased significantly for pension participants who were working on or after December 1, 2025. For the purposes of the following calculations, we use the regular pension, for a single-life, collected at age 65. The value of a member’s pension benefit will vary based on the number of pension credits they have earned over their career, what age they retire, if they are married, and which joint survivor benefit they elect.
Under the regular pension, the Division A pension benefit is $60 per credit for any credits earned up to the maximum of 40 pension credits. This means the maximum pension benefit for a member who retires at age 65 with 40 credits is $2,400 per month.
Early retirement
This plan includes early retirement options, including an early retirement pension starting at age 62 if a member has earned at least 15 pension credits.
Plan your retirement
Members should file a pension application with the Division A Pension Fund Office as soon as they decide on their retirement date, but at least 90 days before retirement. The pension benefit is not paid automatically! Members must notify the Division A Pension Fund of their intention to retire.
To apply for your pension benefit contact the Division A Pension Fund Office at (212) 492-2136 to schedule an appointment.
Contact the Division A Pension Fund
To find out more about the Division A Pension, make an appointment to visit the Division A Pension Fund Office located at 709 8th Avenue, New York, NY (4th floor) or contact them by phone at (212) 492-2136.
This page contains a short description of the pension benefit provided under the Division A contract. For the complete plan details, please refer to the official Summary Plan Description (SPD). The union is not authorized to make representations about the pension benefits. If any explanation contained in this online summary contradicts a shop’s collective bargaining agreement or any provisions of the actual benefit plan documents, those documents are controlling. For a copy of the SPD, please contact the Division A Pension Fund Office at (212) 492-2136.