Congratulations on Your Retirement!
Congratulations on your retirement! You now meet the eligibility requirements to begin receiving a monthly benefit from the IAFF MERP Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (IAFF MERP).
In most cases, your retirement should be reported to the Trust Office by your Employer. Once notified that we have received your final contribution, the Trust Office will mail your IAFF MERP Benefit Election Letter to your home address.
Please Note:
- Benefit Election Packets are not sent until your final contribution has been received, including any applicable leave or Lump Sum Transfer – the timing of this is dependent on your employer’s payroll cycle.
- Once the final contribution is received, the standard timeline for sending out COBRA and Benefit Election Packets is 2-3 weeks.
- Example: If you retire on December 31st, and your last paycheck is processed on January 12th, your packet will hit the mail by January 31st.
It’s important that your mailing address is up to date – you can request updates to your personal information by completing the online Participant Data Form or contacting the Trust Office at (844) 463-5894 or moc.s1770940007tifen1770940007ebapb1770940007@PREM1770940007FFAI1770940007.
The information included in your Benefit Election Letter is exhaustive. We’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to help you walk through exactly what you need to do to begin accessing your IAFF MERP benefits.
Your Benefit Election Letter is due back to the Trust Office within 60 days. Failure to respond within 60 days from the date of the letter may impact your benefits.
Step 1: Understand Your Benefits
Your IAFF MERP Benefit Election Packet will include personalized benefit quotes based on the following factors:
Months of Contributions
You need 60 months of contributions to qualify for a Lifetime Monthly Benefit. If you did not attain 60 months of contributions, you may still qualify by:
• Making a COBRA contribution
• Converting eligible leave or Lump Sum Transfers
Without 60 months, benefits are limited to the total amount contributed.
Your Age
Full monthly benefits begin at age 53. If you retire earlier and start benefits, the amount is reduced. You can also choose to defer until 53 or later, at which point your benefits will be recalculated. You must be entitled to regular or disability pension benefits to receive monthly MERP benefits.
Lump Sum Transfers & Individual Accounts (IA)
If your Local bargained for a Lump Sum Transfer (e.g., sick leave, vacation or other eligible payout) to MERP, you have the option to:
1. Direct these funds to an Individual Account (IA). If you’ve previously had an eligible Lump Sum Transfer, you may already have an IA established. Upon separation, the full balance in your IA is available for reimbursement of eligible expenses, with no monthly limit.
2. Convert some or all of your Lump Sum Transfer – including all or a portion of the balance of your existing IA balance – into Active Service Units (ASU). This will increase your Lifetime Monthly Benefit. If you have fewer than 60 months of contributions at separation, converting your transfer to ASU may also help you qualify for a Lifetime Monthly Benefit. If applicable, this is reflected within your enclosed benefit quotes.
Important: Once converted, this election is permanent. If we do not receive your Benefit Election Form within 60 days, your default election will be to have these funds transferred to your Individual Account.
COBRA Contributions
You can self-fund MERP for up to 18 months after separation. If this helps you reach 60 months, it’s included in your benefit quote. More details are provided later in the packet.
Effective Date
The effective date for commencement of benefits begins the month after your final Employee and/or Employer contribution to the Plan.
Please note: If your employer informs the Trust Office of your separation date and you subsequently receive a lump sum transfer after this election correspondence has been sent to you, you’ll receive a revised packet that includes updated options and instructions related to the lump sum transfer.
Step 2: Choose Your Benefit Options
Carefully review the options presented within your Benefit Election Letter. Complete the Benefit Election Form to answer the following questions:
When will you start your benefit?
Start your IAFF MERP benefits now, OR Choose to defer commencement until a later date.
Would you like to receive a Level Benefit or an Accelerated Benefit?
- Option 1: Level Benefit (Default) – same monthly benefit level before and after age 65
- Options 2-4: Accelerated Benefit Options – Higher monthly benefit before age 65, reduced benefit after age 65
What type of benefit would you like for your surviving spouse should you pass away?
Lifetime Surviving Spouse “LSS” Benefit (Default)
- Your spouse will receive 50% of your Monthly Benefit for his/her lifetime.
- Your monthly benefit is reduced due to longer survivor payout.
Surviving Spouse Benefit to Medicare
- Your spouse will receive 50% of your Monthly Benefit until he/she becomes eligible for Medicare
- No reduction to your monthly benefit
Important Notes on Choosing Your Monthly Benefit Option
- Your election is irrevocable and cannot be changed, regardless of future circumstances.
- Monthly Benefit (s) may differ if you elect COBRA.
- If delaying benefit commencement, request an updated Benefit Election Form with revised calculations when you are ready to begin.
- If you choose a Monthly Benefit without “LSS” (e.g., surviving spouse benefit ends at Medicare):
- If you are married, your spouse must sign a notarized acknowledgement
- If you are not married, you must sign a notarized acknowledgement
Step 3: Complete and Submit Required Forms
Please complete and return the following forms, which will be included in your Benefit Election Letter, to the Trust Office. Save copies for your records.
| Form | When It’s Required |
|---|---|
| Benefit Election Form | Required for all participants. |
| Acknowledgement of IAFF MERP Rules and Procedures | Required for all participants. |
| Acknowledgement of Surviving Spouse Benefit | Required only if you are unmarried or electing a benefit without “LSS” (Lifetime Surviving Spouse). |
| Notice of Right to Elect COBRA Election Form | Required only if your election includes a COBRA contribution. |
| Investment Selection Form for Final Leave/Lump Sum Transfer | Required only if: You have a terminal leave and/or other lump sum being transferred to MERP, and You do not already have an Individual Account (IA) established. Not required if you are converting leave and/or Lump Sum Transfer to Active Service Units (ASU). |
Step 4: Submit Required Forms within 60 days
Submit completed forms to:
IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan
c/o Benefit Programs Administration
1200 Wilshire Blvd, Fifth Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (844) 353-7839
Fax: (562) 463-3894
Email us
Step 5: Accessing Your IAFF MERP Benefit
Before accessing your IAFF MERP Benefit, complete the following online forms as needed:
- Direct Deposit Form (to receive benefit payments)
- Participant Data Form (to update contact and dependent information). Note: Spouse and IRS-eligible dependent information must be on file to reimburse their Covered Expenses.
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