18. Under what circumstances may a Grace Period affect my right to receive an unreduced Early Retirement Benefit?

You can receive an unreduced Early Retirement Benefit if you meet the eligibility requirements for that benefit and have not completed a Grace Period.

A Grace Period is defined as working less than 375 Covered Hours in each of two (2) consecutive Plan Years. If you complete a Grace Period, benefits earned for service completed before the Grace Period will be frozen and will not increase even if you later return to Covered Employment.

You will not incur a Grace Period for any period you were a signatory contractor to an IBEW collective bargaining agreement.