The National Automatic Sprinkler Metal Trades Pension Fund was established as a result of the collective bargaining agreements between the National Fire Sprinkler Association and other signatory employers and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO. The Plan is financed solely by employer contributions. Employees do not contribute to the Plan.

The Pension Fund is administered by a Board of Trustees made up of an equal number of individuals appointed by the Union and the Employers. They serve without pay. The Pension Fund is a separate trust fund for the purpose of paying the benefits provided under the Plan. The Plan has been qualified by the Internal Revenue Service.

As you read this booklet, you will want to keep the following in mind:

• A Pension from this Plan is in addition to any Social Security benefits you may receive.



• There is no mandatory retirement age.



• You can retire with a pension at any time after the age 55, if you have earned 10 Pension credits, including at least 3 Future Service Credits.



• Generally, you must send in an application before payments can start.



• There are special provisions for disability benefits.



• Always remember to keep your beneficiary designation current with any changes in your personal situation.



• You have the right to submit to the Trustees for their consideration any questions or administration of the Plan.

For your convenience, many of the issues addressed in the first part of the booklet cross-reference the applicable article or section of the Plan document in the second part of the booklet. These references appear in parentheses throughout the first part of the booklet.