There may come a time in which you find it necessary to return to work in the electrical industry. Certain rules apply to return to work depending on the type of benefit you are receiving. Before returning to work, it is suggested that you review the applicable rules in this section or contact the NEBF℠ office for more information.
Receiving a Retirement Benefit
If you are receiving a Retirement Benefit and return to work in the electrical industry, your benefit may be suspended. Your Retirement Benefit may be suspended for any calendar month you work 40 or more hours in the electrical industry.
Your Retirement Benefit will not be suspended if you return to work in the electrical industry and:
- You are working less than 40 hours in a calendar month, or
- You are working as an instructor in an IBEW/NECA apprenticeship program where such instructors are not covered by NEBF℠, or
- Effective July 1, 2008, you are working as an instructor in an IBEW/NECA apprenticeship program where such instructors are contributed upon provided that the work is performed after you have attained the age of sixty-five (65), or
- You are working as an electrical inspector for a governmental authority where such inspectors are not covered by NEBF℠.
When you return to work in the electrical industry, you must notify NEBF℠. Failure to notify NEBF℠ of your return to work in the electrical industry may result in an overpayment of benefits. You will be required to return any overpayment you receive to NEBF℠. Additionally, when you stop working in the electrical industry, it is your responsibility to notify NEBF℠ in writing so that you may resume receiving your benefit.
Temporary Return to Work Amendment
The Trustees of the National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF
℠) and the National Employees Benefit Board have approved a temporary Return to Work Amendment to the Plan of Benefits for the NEBF
℠ that permits certain eligible retirees to return to covered and contributory employment for a period of time without a loss of pension benefits from the NEBF
℠.
Click here to view the 2024 Temporary Return to Work Amendment.
In order for a retiree to return to work under this temporary amendment, a retiree must complete the third page of this letter and return it to the NEBF℠.
Receiving a Disability Benefit
If you are receiving a Disability Benefit and return to any type of work, your benefit will be terminated. Unlike a Retirement Benefit that allows you to work less than 40 hours in a calendar month in the electrical industry, you cannot work at all when receiving a Disability Benefit.
When you return to any type of work, you must notify NEBF℠. Failure to notify NEBF℠ of your return to work may result in an overpayment of benefits. You will be required to return any overpayment you receive to NEBF℠.
Your Disability Benefit would generally be terminated if:
- You are employed at any job, or
- You are no longer receiving a Social Security Disability Benefit, or
- You are no longer considered Totally Disabled by the Trustees.
However, you may re-apply for any NEBF℠ benefit type when you are again eligible.
If your Disability Benefit with the Social Security Administration should change, you must immediately notify NEBF℠ in writing and submit any documentation of the change.
NEBF℠ will periodically review your file. Your Disability Benefit will continue if you are still Totally Disabled and receiving a Social Security Disability Benefit, but will end if you are no longer Totally Disabled. However, you may re-apply for any NEBF℠ benefit type when you are again eligible.