Frequently Asked Questions

ENHANCED VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT WINDOW (EVRW)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Enhanced Voluntary Retirement Window?

Just as the name suggests, it is an entirely voluntary program. You decide if it is right for you. If you are employed by more than one Archdiocesan employer, the EVRW requires that you terminate employment from all positions and all employers within the Archdiocese. It also requires that you execute multiple documents by specific deadlines, including a waiver of claims against your employer and the Archdiocese, to receive the benefits offered under the EVRW.

What benefits will be available to me under the EVRW?

The benefits you might be eligible to receive under the EVRW, and documents and releases that you will need to execute, are explained in the Summary of Benefits and other EVRW materials you will receive in your personalized EVRW package. General information on the EVRW benefits is shown below – but you must refer to your personalized package and release to learn what specific benefits apply to you and the conditions to receiving those benefits. Depending on the benefits you are eligible for, the EVRW will:

· Grant you an additional five (5) years of service credit and increase your age by five (5) years for purposes of determining your benefit under the Archdiocesan Pension Plan. The additional service and age credit will be used to calculate your accrued benefit and determine your vesting and eligibility for early retirement under the Pension Plan.

· Provide a lump-sum severance payment as reflected on your Summary of Benefits in your retirement package.

· Provide employer paid continued medical coverage for a limited period. See your Summary of Benefits for more details on this benefit. If this benefit is not listed on your summary, you are not eligible for this benefit.

Why did I receive this offer?
You received this offer because it is believed that you meet the following criteria:

1. You are employed by an entity that has chosen to participate in the EVRW;
2. You are an active participant in the Archdiocesan Pension Plan; and
3. You attained at least age 60 on or before June 30, 2015.

What if I choose not to participate in the EVRW?

You will not be retaliated against for not electing to retire under the EVRW, but no guarantees can be made as to duration of future employment and your employment will remain “at will.” Depending on the success of the EVRW, your employer may need to evaluate whether additional personnel decisions are necessary.

On what date will I retire?

Your employer has chosen a retirement date of December 2015. All retirees of a given employer will have the same retirement date. See your personalized materials for more information on your retirement date. If you are employed by more than one employer, regardless of whether any other employer is participating in the EVRW, you must terminate employment from all Archdiocesan employers by the dates provided in your personalized package and timely execute all necessary releases and other documents, to receive benefits under the EVRW.

Will I be paid for unused vacation days?

You will be paid for any earned but unused vacation days as of your Retirement Date in accordance with your employer’s policy for payment of unused vacation days.

When will I receive my severance and unused vacation pay?

Any severance and unused vacation days due will be paid approximately 30 days after receipt of your signed Supplemental Release and other required documents. See your personalized materials for more information on the Supplemental Release.

How are years of service determined for the purpose of calculating severance?

All full years of service, based on your date of hire, excluding any break(s) in service of more than one year, will be counted. See your personalized materials for additional information and whether the severance benefit applies to you.

For what medical coverage will I be eligible?

Your employer paid medical coverage will continue for a limited time. See your Summary of Benefits for more details on this benefit. If this benefit is not listed on your summary, you are not eligible for this benefit.

What happens to my medical coverage under the Archdiocesan Medical Plan (or other medical plan) after my medical coverage terminates?

After your medical coverage terminates, you may, but only to the extent required by law:

1. Elect to continue your coverage under the Archdiocesan Medical Plan, or your Employer’s own medical plan if your employer does not participate in the Archdiocesan Medical Plan, for up to 36 months following the date your coverage ceases under the group medical plan by paying 102% of the full monthly premium for the coverage you elect. Continuation of medical coverage is subject to earlier termination due to nonpayment of premiums, termination of the medical plan, becoming covered under any other group health plan, or becoming entitled to Medicare benefits;
2. Elect coverage as a dependent on your spouse’s health benefit plan if your spouse’s employer offers coverage; or
3. Obtain coverage under the Affordable Care Act through the Exchange (www.HealthCare.gov).

In addition, if you are age 65 or older, it is recommended that you contact your local Social Security Administration Office and schedule an appointment to learn about your options under Medicare Part A and Part B, when you may elect Medicare coverage, and the cost of Medicare coverage, and any penalties for late election of Medicare coverage.

If you participate in a different medical plan sponsored by your employer, continuation of coverage may also be available under that other plan after your medical coverage terminates. Contact your employer for more information on your medical plan options.

What happens to my Life Insurance when I retire?

If you are covered under The Hartford Group Life Insurance Plan, your life insurance coverage ends on your last day of employment. For Continuation of Life Insurance coverage under the Portability Option or Conversion Option, you will need to complete an election form within 31 days of the date your coverage ends. Forms are available through your local benefits administrator or by calling The Hartford at 1-877-320-0484.

If you are not covered under The Hartford Plan, please contact your employer for more information on your life insurance options effective as of your Retirement Date.

Can I be rehired by the Archdiocese after I retire?

It is not intended that any employee electing to retire under the EVRW will be rehired by any entity within the Archdiocese.