Pension Plan FAQs

  1. What type of Pension Plan is this?

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

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  2. What is the earnings requirement to earn a Pension Credit?

    See here for current Pension Credit earnings requirement. You earn a Pension Credit under the Alternative Eligibility Program if you work 70 days of covered employment in a calendar year after January 1, 2003.

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  3. How do I become vested?

    You can become vested three different ways:
    1. By earning 10 Pension Credits
    2. By earning 5 Pension Credits without a Permanent Break in Service and satisfying the Activity Test.
    3. By attaining Normal Retirement Age and earning a Pension Credit at or after Normal Retirement Age.
    For details see Credits and Vesting.

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  4. My Annual Pension Summary shows that I have five (5) Pension Credits. Why am I not vested under the Limited Five-Year Vesting?

    In order to be vested under the Limited Five-Year Vesting, you must have a total of 5 Pension Credits without a Permanent Break in Service and you must satisfy the Activity Test. See Credits and Vesting.

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  5. What are the differences between the Limited Five-Year Vesting and Ten-Year Vesting?

    There are two major differences. Under the Limited Five-Year Vesting, benefits are not payable before age 65 and the Minimum pension of $220 per month is not applicable.

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  6. Why are my years of Pension Credit 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 Guild and are not paid to the Pension Plan. You earn Pension Credit in the Plan based on your earnings in work under the collective bargaining agreements.

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  7. When are pension checks mailed?

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

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  8. Do you have electronic deposit?

    Yes. You can arrange for this when you apply for pension or at any time in the future. Just call the Pension Department to request this feature.

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  9. Can I assign my pension benefits?

    No. This is prohibited under federal law.

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  10. Do Social Security Benefits affect my pension from the Plan?

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

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  11. 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 the Plan Office and your local Employment Development Department office.

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