Happy Holidays! Wow, it’s hard to believe we are already this close to the end of 2021. Tempus fugit. Welcome to the latest edition of the IAM Benefit Funds Office Benefit Spotlight. Since the last edition, so much in the world has changed. As we all continue to work our way through the impact and challenges, personally and professionally, of COVID and political divide, I want to take a moment to recognize the staff of the Benefit Funds Office for all their hard work and dedication. When COVID rocked us in March, 2020, we had to shut down the Office and move to remote work, something for us, like many others, we were not prepared to do. It was a very difficult time for employers and participants, and for our staff. Just moving to a remote work environment was a significant challenge and this was coupled with mail delivery delays, employers offering voluntary separation packages that led to an unforeseen spike in pension applications, participant increasing draws on 401k benefits due to hardships and temporary changes to laws and reg- ulations, and concerns about healthcare coverage during the pandemic. During these trying times, the Office staff worked tirelessly to make sure we met the needs of the plan participants. It wasn’t always pretty, and at times it was very challenging, but with this tremendous team, we made it through. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this trying time. Like so many workers across our great country, and the world, we spend the best part of our time dealing with problem matters and thank you is often in short supply, but it certainly makes us feel appreciated. If you have a chance to talk to a Benefit Fund Office employee, I ask that you consider thanking them for the services that generally go unnoticed. I know that we all thank you, the plan participants, for your service. Without you, there is no Benefit Fund Office. In 2021, we also experienced some Trustee turnover, including the retirement of Pension and 401k Co-Chair- man, Henry Eickelberg; Pension, 401k, and Benefit Trust Fund Co-Chairman James Conigliaro; and Pension Employer Trustee David Leib. As a result of their departure, we have welcomed new Employer Trustees, Jonathan Mason, from Bath Iron Works and Kelvin Jones, from United Airlines, to the National Pension Fund Board, and Jade Bader, from EQ Depot to the 401k Fund Board. Check out the profiles of our new Trustees in this edition. Additionally, current 401(k) and Benefit Trust Fund Trustee, Dora Cervantes, IAMAW General Secretary Treasurer was appointed to the National Pension Fund Board. On the benefits front, 2021 saw the addition of coverage for autism treatment added to the Benefit Trust Fund and continued cost sharing waivers for COVID testing and office visits. Cost share waiver for COVID treatment was in place through the end of October 2021, which was beyond any mandated requirements. We also made significant improvements to the on-line pension application process and now 60% of all pension applications are coming in on-line, which helps to speed up processing times. This system will be improved further when the new Benefit Administration System is up and running. Speaking of that, we are drawing ever closer to the “go-live” date for the Pension and 401k Funds new Benefit Administration System, after delays due in part to COVID, the new date is March 1, 2022. The Benefit Trust Fund system change is still in progress with an anticipated go-live date in mid-2022. These improved systems will impact not only productivity and efficiency, but also provide additional system tools for participants. Plan par- ticipants will begin to receive communications on the changes in early-2022. In this issue, you’ll also find important articles on topics such as how to apply for your pension if you are looking to retire before the end of 2021, a change to the Benefit Funds Office Zip PLUS Four code, the process of changing your address with the Funds, important compliance mailings, and Frequently Asked Questions from the National Pension Fund Customer Service Team. Again, we thank you for your participation in the IAM National Benefit Funds and hope you find the Benefits Spotlight and our website helpful. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Benefit Funds office staff, and myself, we wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season. RYK TIERNEY, CEBS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IAM NATIONAL BENEFIT FUNDS A Message from the Executive Director www.iambfo.org 3 FUND FACT FUND FACT Over $19B in pension benefits have been paid to participants since the Fund started in 1960.