Are there any exceptions to the general rule? There are two exceptions to this general rule. The Administrator must honor a “qualified domestic relations order.” A “qualified domestic relations order” is defined as a decree or order issued by a court that obligates you to pay child support or alimony, or otherwise allocates a portion of your assets in the Plan to your spouse, former spouse, child or other dependent. If a qualified domestic relations order is received by the Administrator, all or a portion of your benefits may be used to satisfy the obligation. The Administrator will determine the validity of any domestic relations order received. You and your beneficiaries can obtain, without charge, a copy of the qualified domestic relations order procedure from the Administrator. The second exception applies if you are involved with the Plan’s administration. If you are found liable for any action that adversely affects the Plan, the Administrator can offset your benefits by the amount you are ordered or required by a court to pay the Plan. All or a portion of your benefits may be used to satisfy any such obligation to the Plan. Can the Plan be amended? Yes. We have the right to amend the Plan at any time. In no event, however, will any amendment authorize or permit any part of the Plan assets to be used for purposes other than the exclusive benefit of participants or their beneficiaries. Additionally, no amendment will cause any reduction in the amount credited to your account. What happens if the Plan is discontinued or terminated? Although we intend to maintain the Plan indefinitely, we reserve the right to terminate the Plan at any time. Upon termination, no further contributions will be made to the Plan and all amounts credited to your accounts will become 100% vested. We will direct the distribution of your accounts in a manner permitted by the Plan as soon as practicable. (See the question “How will my benefits be paid?” found in the Article of this SPD entitled “Form of Benefit Payment.”) You will be notified of any modification or termination of the Plan. How do I submit a claim for Plan benefits? Benefits will be paid to you and your beneficiaries without the necessity of formal claims. However, if you think an error has been made in determining your benefits, then you or your beneficiaries may make a request for any Plan benefits to which you believe you are entitled. Any such request should be in writing and should be made to the Administrator. If the Administrator determines the claim is valid, then you will receive a statement describing the amount of benefit, the method or methods of payment, the timing of distributions and other information relevant to the payment of the benefit. What if my benefits are denied? Your request for Plan benefits will be considered a claim for Plan benefits, and it will be subject to a full and fair review. If your claim is wholly or partially denied, the Administrator will provide you with a written or electronic notification of the Plan’s adverse determination. This written or electronic notification must be provided to you within a reasonable period of time, but not later than 90 days after the receipt of your claim by the Administrator, unless the Administrator determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for processing your claim. If the Administrator determines that an extension of time for processing is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to you prior to the termination of the initial 90 day period. In no event will such extension exceed a period of 90 days from the end of such initial period. The extension notice will indicate the special
16
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs