FAQ

Online Class Registration

Members registering for classes will need to visit the Training Fund link to register for all classes.

If you have not signed up for a class with the Training Center previously on your union fusion dashboard, you will need to contact a staff member directly to help you get registered for the first time.

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Becoming a Signatory Contractor

To become a Signatory Contractor with Local Union 597, a letter must be sent to our Business Manager on company letterhead. Once the letter has been received and reviewed, a Business Representative will reach out and complete the final paperwork.

In your introduction letter please provide as much information about your company as possible. Any further questions please contact our Business Office directly.  

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What are the Quarterly Dues Breakout

1st Qtr. (January-March)

2nd Qtr. (April-June)

3rd Qtr. (July-September)

4th Qtr. (October-December)

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Union Fusion Dashboard Issues

Any individual having issues logging into union fusion can contact our Business Office at 312-829-4191 for help.

Only initiated members of Local 597 have access to the dashboard

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Out-of-Work-List

Dues Hold
Members who are on the OWL and have not paid their quarterly dues will be dropped on the 15th day of the month following the beginning of a quarter.

11 Day Rule
All members must re-register within 11 days of hire to remain Active on the Out-Of-Work-List. No member will automatically be re-registered. Please contact the business office or use the union fusion dashboard to re-register within the required time frame. 

Dropped from Out-Of-Work-List
The most common reason an individual is dropped from the list is that their dues are not current, or have not re-registered properly after a termination.

The most common reason a member's number on the list may change is that other members that have been working less than 11 days, cease working and re-register; or a member that is on hold removes the hold status from their profile. 

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How do I access the recently retired & recently deceased member lists?

This information is updated on a monthly basis and is located in Recent News.

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If I have a new dependent which documents do i need to supply

You would need to supply the Enrollment Form, Coordination of Benefits Form, and Beneficiary Designation Form. Return the forms with the Birth Certificate of all new dependents along with a Marriage Certificate if adding a spouse.

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Where can i find a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BC/BS) provider in my area?

The BC/BS provider funder phone number is 1-800-810-BLUE (1-800-810-2583) or BC/BS (Provider Finder) found on the Welfare Fund Provider Useful Links page

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Why do I have to complete an accident form if I didn't have an accident?

If the diagnosis on the claim appears that it could be accident related or the charges are over a certain dollar amount we will request an accident illness form to verify that there is not a third party involvement such as workers comp, auto accident insurance or home owners insurance.  You must fill out and return the form if requested in order for your claim to process.

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If I die how long will my spouse's coverage continue?

Your spouse would be covered for a minimum of three  months or the length that your hours accumulation account would allow insurance.  Whichever is the longest. If your spouse is under the age of 60 at the time of your death she/he and any other dependents would be eligible for 36 months of COBRA.  If your spouse is over the age of 60 at the time of your death he/she would be eligible for surviving spouse benefits.

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If I am working and become eligible for Medicare do I have to sign up for Part B?

If you are still working and become eligible for Medicare you do not have to sign up for Part B Coverage.  You must  however make sure that you are signed up for Medicare A and B the day that you retire from Local 597.

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Do I have to sign up for Medicare Part D prescription plan when i retire and become eligible for Medicare benefits?

No, you do not need to sign up with Medicare Part D prescription coverage,  you will automatically be enrolled in the Express Scripts Medicare D plan with the Pipe Fitters Local 597 retirement coverage.

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What is the Fund Office Dashboard?

You can create a Fund Office Dashboard account on the Pipe Fitters Local 597 website.  On the Fund Office dashboard, you can see your medical claim payments, your deductible and out of pocket accumulations, work history, and other personal information.  All eligible dependents over the age of 19 must create their own account.

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What is the information for Delta Dental

Delta Dental 800-323-1743 

P O BOX 5402 Lisle IL 60532

Group # 20440

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What is the information for Delta Dental

Delta Dental 800-323-1743 

P O BOX 5402 Lisle IL 60532

Group # 20440

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How do I begin receiving my pension benefits?

Contact the Pension Department one month before your desired effective date to have your application sent to you or to schedule an appointment to complete your application at the Fund Office or Training Site in Mokena.

An appointment is required to complete your application in office.

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How to I find out my current Pension Credits and/or Pension Years?

Pension credit statements are mailed to all vested and active members yearly. You can also contact the Pension Department during normal business hours to obtain this information or request an updated statement.

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Can I request to have taxes taken out of my pension?

You may elect to have Federal taxes deducted from your pension. We are unable to deduct any state taxes.

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Will I be required to pay quarterly dues after I retire?

No, once you retire you will no longer be required to pay dues.

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What happens when a pensioner passes away?

Upon notification of a member's passing, their benefits will cease the first of the month following their date of death. 

The Fund Office will send paperwork to the member's surviving spouse or beneficiary within 10 business days, if any benefits are due.

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How do I obtain my 1099R?

1099R tax forms are mailed yearly at the end of January. If you need to obtain a copy of a 1099R from a previous year, please contact the Pension Department.

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Can I work after retirement?

Before age 65, Disqualifying Employment is employment or self‑employment as a pipe fitter. Prior to age 65, your benefit will be suspended during any month in which you work one or more hours in Disqualifying Employment.

After age 65, Disqualifying Employment is employment or self-employment as a pipe fitter in the geographical jurisdiction of Local 597 (including work for any Employer that results in reciprocal contributions being paid to this Fund). After age 65, your benefit will be suspended during any month in which you work more than 40 hours in Disqualifying Employment.

Your pension will not be suspended beyond April 1 following the year in which you attain age 72.

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What happens to my pension if I get divorced?

If your former spouse is awarded a portion of your pension in your divorce, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) will need to be completed and filed in the court. 

Please contact the Pension Department for a copy of a sample QDRO and the Plan procedures.

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How do I change the direct deposit information for my pension payment ?

You must complete a direct deposit change form. You can obtain this form by contacting the Pension Department or printing it directly from pf597.org. You must include a voided check or letter from your financial institution on their letterhead confirming your account and routing numbers.

This information can be mailed to the Fund Office, faxed to (312) 829-9796, or emailed to eligibility@funds597.org.

Please be advised the Fund Office does not accept temporary checks or deposit slips.

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Where do I send my Salary Deferral Agreement?

This form must be sent to your employer only. 

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Where do I send my Request for Distribution or Beneficiary Designation?

Forms may be sent to the following:

 

Empower Retirement

PO Box 56025

Boston, MA 02205-6025

or your can upload your document to your Empower account.

 

Please contact Empower Retirement directly at (833) 378-5971 for confirmation of receipt. 

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How do I find out my 401(k) balance?

For balance information, please contact log on to your Empower account or contact Empower Retirement at (833) 378-5971.

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How do I make a withdrawal from my 401(k)?

Please refer to the requirements this page. 

If you feel that you meet any of these requirements, please contact Empower Retirement at (833) 378-5971 for further instructions.

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How do I designate or change a beneificary?

Complete a beneficiary designation form and return it to the Fund Office. In the event of your passing, Empower will refer to the most current form on file. This form can be found here.

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