What if I Leave the Industry?
If you leave the sheet metal industry, you may be eligible to receive a Severance Benefit from SASMI.
Severance Benefit
The Severance Benefit “accrual” ceased effective December 31, 2009. However, members who had a Severance Benefit before December 31, 2009 may still be entitled to a benefit when they leave the sheet metal industry. In the event of your death, your beneficiary may be eligible to receive this benefit.
Eligibility
To qualify for a SASMI Severance Benefit, you must have:
- Been an active SASMI participant on or after July 1, 1992 (the date the Severance Benefit was implemented);
- Accrued at least two years of future service credit; and
- Been permanently separated from the sheet metal trade for at least 12 consecutive months before the benefit is paid.
Amount of Benefit
The amount of the SASMI Severance Benefit is a percentage of all contributions made on your behalf, minus the total of all benefit payments you have received from SASMI through your career.
The SASMI Severance Benefit is based on years of future service credit and past service credit. For details on how this benefit is calculated, refer to the Summary Plan Description.
What Is Past Service Credit and Future Service Credit?
Both past and future service is credited by stabilization period (½ year). You’re credited with past service from the day you became a member (according to the membership records of the International Union) through the stabilization period you first became eligible for SASMI benefits. You receive years of future service credit from the stabilization period after you become eligible for SASMI benefits through the date you permanently leave the industry. Your future service is credited to you in a stabilization period if you receive SASMI contributions for at least 100 hours during that stabilization period.
Applying for the Severance Benefit
You must apply for this benefit within 23 months of leaving employment in the sheet metal trades. Complete the application form on the member portal and submit it to the SASMI Trust Fund.
If your beneficiary is applying for a benefit upon your death, he or she should call the SASMI Trust Fund.