FAQs - Benefit Recipients

Download and return the Authorization for Automated Deposit Form (PDF) to the Fund Office. You can also request the form by clicking here  or by calling the Fund Office at 800-424-9608. Once you have completed the form, return it to the Fund Office with a voided check from the account to which you wish to have your payment deposited.

It may take at least two months after we receive your completed form to start your direct deposit. You will receive your benefit payment by mail during this time; you will be notified when your direct deposit will begin.

All direct deposits are credited to your account no later than the first business day of the month.

Read The Rules Pertaining to Pensioner Employment by clicking here,  then download and return the Request for Ruling on Employment Form (click here) to the Fund Office. You can also request the form by clicking here or by calling the Fund Office at 800-424-9608. Once completed, return the form to the Fund Office at 99 M Street, SE, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20003-4595. Once the Fund Office receives the completed form, a decision will be made, and you will be notified about that decision by mail.

You may change your address by sending written notification to the Fund Office at 99 M Street, SE, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20003-4595 or by calling the Customer Service Department Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you call, certain additional information may be needed (including written confirmation with your signature) to make such a change.

You may report a death by sending an email by clicking here, by sending a letter to the Fund Office at 99 M Street, SE, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20003-4595, or by calling the Fund Office at 800-424-9608.  The Fund Office will need the deceased pensioner's name, Social Security number and death certificate, along with the name, address, and phone number of a contact person. Please also advise us if there is a surviving spouse.

Securely log into PSS to complete your IRS Form W-4P online.

You can also download a copy of the 2024 IRS Form W-4P or call the Benefit Funds Office to request to have a copy mailed to you. Once complete, you should return your paper IRS Form W-4P to the Benefit Funds Office for processing.

Please be aware that the Benefit Funds Office does not withhold state or local income taxes from benefit payments.

If you are already receiving pension benefits, you cannot change your beneficiaries.

If you are not yet receiving pension benefits, you may download and return the Beneficiary Designation Form (PDF)  to the Fund Office at 99 M Street, SE, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20003-4595. You can also request the form by clicking here or by calling the Fund Office at 800-424-9608.

To find out the status of your pension benefit application, call the Fund Office at 800-424-9608. You may speak directly to the Fund Office employee assigned to handle your application. (You were provided with the name and extension of your contact person shortly after your application was received). They can update you on the status of your pension benefit application. If your contact person is unavailable, feel free to speak with any available employee in the Customer Service Department.

If you don't receive your check by the 10th of the month, you may send an email by clicking here or call the Fund Office at 800-424-9608. Provided you are not changing your address, we will place a stop payment on the check and replace it as soon as possible.

In general, pension checks are mailed weekly or on the last business day of the month for the 1st of the next month. You may also view your payment information to verify when your check was mailed (login required).

At some point, you may want someone to conduct business with the Fund on your behalf. The Fund’s Authorization Form allows another person or entity to receive information relating to your pension as well as assist you with your pension application.

A person who wishes to act on a participant or beneficiary’s behalf may submit a Power of Attorney (“POA”). However, the Fund only recognizes POAs if the participant or beneficiary is incapacitated due to a medical condition impairing their cognitive functions (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s) and if ALL the following requirements are met:

1. POAs must be submitted with clear, written instructions identifying what the agent is attempting to do on the participant’s behalf. (NOTE: Any POAs received without written instructions will be immediately shredded or otherwise returned.)
2. The POA must be submitted with a signed physician’s statement certifying the participant’s incapacity. The physician’s statement must be dated within the last 12 months. However, the statement does not need to be dated within the last 12 months if the statement indicates that the condition is permanent. The Fund has a Physician’s Statement Form, which the Fund encourages but does not require you to use.
3. The Fund’s Incapacitation Form, which must be signed and notarized, must be submitted with the POA.
4. The POA is durable and must be notarized.

A POA will only be considered valid for a 12-month period after approval. Please keep these documents in a safe place. Once that 12-month period expires, the above documents must be resubmitted for review for subsequent requests.

Alternatively, Conservatorship/Guardianship Papers (Order and Letters conferring authority over “property” or “estate”) may be submitted and will be kept on file. Only the Order and Letters are required.