early withdrawal

[Guest OngM]

I used to be a member of the IBEW Local #280 and participated in the Cascade Pension Trust Fund. I have not contributed to the plan for over five years nor have or can any of my employers contribute to the plan.

I want to rollover the funds that are in the account. The plan administrator says that I am over the $5,000 dollar amount, therefore rollover or distribution is not permitted.

The problem is that my money that is in there is detorating for the reason that there is now monies being put into the account.

Anyone have any ideas of legal rights?

Help!

[Richard Anderson]

You should have been given a copy of a Summary Plan Description (SPD). Find it or ask the plan administrator for a copy. The SPD will tell you when you are eligible for a distribution. It is common for pension plans to not allow distributions before attaining retirement age.

[Guest Emery Gooch]

I worked in different IBEW locals for 43 years and paid into various pension plans prior to reciprosity agreements between locals. The locals I have contacted have tried to tell me that the pensions I have paid into was a fringe benefit. I know that Local 8 in Toledo, Ohio was sued by two travelling brothers and the judge ruled that the travelling brothers would either participate in Local 8's pension plan or they would get their money back. I know this is true because I received my money from Local 8. Anyone having any information regarding this lawsuit, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks

Tilly8864@cs.com