General Info

• Can I assign my pension benefits?

  No. This is prohibited under federal law.

• Do Social Security Benefits affect my pension from the Plan?

  No. Benefits under the Plan are in addition to your Social Security benefits.

• Will my pension from the Plan affect unemployment compensation benefits?

  It is possible that your pension from this Plan may affect your eligibility for and amount of unemployment compensation benefits. Please check with your local Employment Development Department office.

• How soon should I apply for my pension benefits?

  At least 2 months in advance of your desired effective date of pension.

• Do I have to pay taxes on my pension?

  Your pension is considered income and could be taxable. Plan staff cannot provide tax advice; you are encouraged to consult with your tax advisor.

• Do my earnings pay into the Plan?

  No. All contributions are from a signatory Producer as part of the SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement.

• Can I stop my pension once I start?

  No. Once payments have started and a monthly option has been selected, no changes can be made other than beneficiaries under the Five-Year and Ten-Year certain option.

• Can I change my benefit once my pension starts?

  No. Once payments have started and a monthly option has been selected, no changes can be made other than beneficiaries under the Five-Year and Ten-Year certain option.

• Can I change my beneficiaries after my pension starts?

  Yes, you can change your beneficiaries anytime.

• Why is my signature in the annual endorsement letter required?

  The purpose of this annual verification form is to ensure that you are receiving your monthly pension.

• Are the SAG and AFTRA pension plans merging?

  At this time, only the SAG and AFTRA health plans have merged.

• Is my Pension benefit affected by the merger of the health plans?

  The AFTRA Retirement Fund and SAG-Producers Pension Plan remain separate plans and are not affected by merger of the health plans. Information regarding the AFTRA Retirement Fund can still be found at aftraretirement.org. 

  However, effective January 1, 2017, the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan will require you to take your pension in order to receive senior performers coverage, unless you are currently receiving senior citizens coverage under the AFTRA Health Plan.

• What type of Pension Plan is this?

  The SAG-Producers Pension Plan is a multiemployer defined benefit plan. It is different from many corporate plans because you are promised a monthly benefit for your lifetime rather than accumulating a dollar balance.

• Why are my years of pension credits in the Plan different than the number of years for which I have paid dues to Screen Actors Guild?

  Your dues are for membership in the Union and are not paid to the Plan. You earn Pension Credits based on your earnings in work under the collective bargaining agreements.

• When are pension checks mailed?

  Pension checks are always mailed three business days before the first of the month.

• Do you have electronic deposit?

  Yes. You can arrange for this when you apply for your pension or at any time in the future. Complete and submit the Direct Deposit Authorization form.