How to Register

Registration is required in order to receive benefits. You can register at the Benefit Funds’ Central Office located at 305 West 44th Street, New York, NY on the 2nd floor, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Questions regarding registration can be answered by calling the Funds Office at (212) 586-6400.

Orthodontics

Orthodontia benefits are covered up to $1000 for each minor dependent of an eligible member.

Optical Care

Optical coverage is provided to members (and their covered dependents) who work on a full-time basis and use the services of the health centers. Services covered by the plan are provided once each calendar year and include an eye examination and credit towards the purchase of glasses or contact lenses.

To download a copy of the Eye Care Benefit Reimbursement Form, click here.

Members’ Health Assistance Program (MHAP)

Mental health and addiction coverage is provided to members (and their covered dependents) who work on a full-time basis and use the services of the Health Centers. Services include confidential consultative and crisis prevention assistance for emotional, alcohol and drug-related problems.

To be connected with a counselor please call MHAP Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at (212) 237-3037 or (888) 615-6427.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

Eligible members are allotted funds towards the reimbursement of health expenses (for example: pharmacy co-pays). Eligible individual members covered by the Industry-Wide Agreement receive $200 per year through the HRA (single coverage), and $400 (family coverage).

Pre-Paid Legal Services Program

Legal services are provided to eligible members (and their eligible dependents). Legal services available include wills, adoptions, divorces, real estate purchases and sales of primary residence, bankruptcy, immigration, and other matters.

Normally, workers lose access to Pre-Paid Legal 90 days after becoming unemployed. The trustees approved a temporary change that gives workers who were laid off due to the Coronavirus crisis continued access to Pre-Paid Legal, despite most being laid off for an extended period of time. This benefit will be in place for as long as the Pre-Paid Legal Fund can support the additional expense. You can call Pre-Paid Legal at (212) 586-6400, ext. 4258, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Pension Plan

Upon retirement, a monthly fixed benefit will be paid to each retiree covered by the plan who is vested. 

The IWA Pension Fund: The IWA Pension Fund provides for a pension benefit of $1,500 per month at age 65 for members who have earned 25 pension credits, and a maximum of $2,400 per month at age 65 for members who have earned 40 pension credits. To become vested, you must have completed five (5) years of vesting service.

To find out more about the IWA Pension Fund, visit the Benefit Funds’ Central Office located at 305 West 44^th Street, New York, NY on the 2^nd floor or contact them by phone at (212) 586-6400, extension 4125. Click here to read more.

The Division A Pension Fund: If you work in a property covered by the Division A CBA, you may participate in the Division A Pension Fund. Your regular pension amount will depend on the date you last worked and the total pension credits you earned. 

The GRIWA Pension Benefit: The Union’s pension benefit is based on a worker’s age and years of service at their hotel. A Union hotel worker who retires at age 65, after 25 years of service, will receive $450 per month from the pension. If a worker works more than 25 years, they will receive $9 more per additional year of service, up to $585 per month.

401(k) Plan

Members can participate in a voluntary 401(k) plan. Members can elect to defer up to 25% of their pre-tax weekly wages but cannot exceed the IRS annual maximum. For 2023, the IRS annual contribution maximum is $22,500. Members 50 years old or older can also elect to enroll in catch-up contributions. For 2023, the catch-up amount is an additional $7,500. You can enroll during two major enrollment drives each year.

To find out more about the 401(k) benefit, visit the Benefit Funds’ Central Office located at 305 West 44^th Street, New York, NY on the 2nd floor or contact them by phone at (212) 586-6400, extension 4125.

Retiree Medical Coverage

Eligible pensioners may elect to get their medical and prescription drug coverage only through the Health Centers after retirement.

In order to do so, pensioners must qualify (read more here) and assign their Medicare Part B benefits to the Funds. (Please note: To qualify, you cannot enroll in either external Medicare Part D prescription drug or Medicare HMOs or Advantage Plans.) Hospitalization is covered by Medicare Part A and is not part of the Funds coverage. For more information, please contact the Benefit Funds at (212) 586-6400.

Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits

A death benefit of $10,000 is provided to a beneficiary of your choice. The Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit pays up to a maximum of $10,000 according to the extent of the loss. To select or change your beneficiary, visit the Benefit Funds’ Central Office located at 305 West 44^th Street, New York, NY on the 2nd floor or contact them by phone at (212) 586-6400.

Accident and Sickness Weekly Benefits

Members receive a weekly benefit of 50% of their salary up to a maximum of $300, commencing on the eighth day of the illness or other disability. Visit the Benefit Funds’ Central Office located at 305 West 44^th Street, New York, NY on the 2nd floor or contact them by phone at (212) 586-6400 for more information.