AFM-EPF Facts

  • The Fund is a defined benefit plan: it pays like an an annuity (a fixed amount every month for as long as you live)

  • The Fund is a multi-employer plan: you can receive contributions from recording contracts, orchestra gigs, local engagement contracts, etc.

  • Vesting period

    • Each $750 in wages in one year = 1/4 year credit

    • $3000 in wages in one year = 1 year credit

    • You need 5 years of credits to be vested

    • Vesting means your benefits are guaranteed; you cannot lose the credits you have already earned regardless of what happens in the future

    • Break in service: if you are not vested and you go 5 years without earning any credits all previous credits will be forfeited

  • You can begin receiving pension at age 55 (age 65 for full benefits)

Age When Your Pension Benefit Begins

 Monthly Amount per $100 of Vested Contributions

For Contributions for Covered Employment before 2004

For Contributions for Covered Employment Between 1/1/2004 and 3/31/2007

 For Contributions for Covered Employment Between 4/1/2007 and 4/30/2009 For Contributions for Covered Employment between 5/1/2009 and

For Contributions for Covered Employment after 1/1/2010

55

$2.33

$1.28

 $1.19 $0.73  

56

$2.60

$1.40

 $1.30 $0.80  

57

$2.88

$1.54

 $1.43 $0.88  

58

$3.16

$1.70

 $1.58 $0.97  

59

$3.44

$1.87

 $1.74 $1.07  

60

$3.72

$2.07

 $1.92 $1.18  

61

$3.91

$2.29

 $2.13 $1.31  

62

$4.09

$2.53

 $2.35 $1.45  

63

$4.28

$2.82

 $2.62 $1.61  

64

$4.46

$3.13

 $2.91 $1.79  

65

$4.65

$3.50

 $3.25 $2.00 $1.00

  • Payment of benefits

    • If you have under $5000 in total anticipated payments, you will receive a lump sum

    • If you are single (or with the consent of your spouse): you will receive a life annuity

    • If you are married: you will receive a joint-survivor annuity

        • Joint-survivor pays at a slightly reduced rate based on the difference in ages between you and your spouse

        • Your spouse continues to receive 50% of your monthly benefit upon your death

    • Single pensioners can also request joint-survivor and specify a beneficiary of their choice

  • Disability benefits

    • Payable if you have 10 years of vesting credit

  • If you continue to work after retirement:

    • Under age 65: your benefits will increase one month after turning age 65

    • Age 65 or older: your benefits will increase on July 1 of each year based on the previous year's additional credits earned

  • If you die before collecting your pension: your pension will be paid to your beneficiary as a joint-survivor annuity