News
News
MEND Program: COVID-19 Summer 2020 Family Tool Kit
With kids home from school and the future of summer camps pending, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. As such, the MEND Program has put together a guide that seeks to support families in fostering age-appropriate conversations about COVID-19 and relieve some stress by compiling educational and art-based activities… read more...
MSK Direct Presents: Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention
Memorial Sloan Kettering ("MSK") is recognized as a world leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. Their skin cancer specialists take a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. They prioritize the quality of life of the people they care for, providing social services, emotional support, integrative medicine, and… read more...
Coming Soon: New and Improved Member Login Portal for Viewing Personal Benefits
In an effort to improve the online experience of the NYCDCC membership, the Benefit Funds is pleased to announce that we will be launching a newly redesigned Member Login Portal next week. The official launch, which will take place on Monday, July, 13th, will be the culmination of a concerted… read more...
Fund Office to Accept Member Walk-Ins, By Appointment, on a Limited Basis, Beginning July 6th
As New York State is set to enter Phase III of its reopening following the PAUSE related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fund Office will begin accepting member walk-ins at 395 Hudson Street, by appointment, and on a limited basis only, effective July 6th, 2020. Please note the following guidelines… read more...
Board of Trustees Approves Temporary Extension of Welfare Coverage & Waiver of Retiree Premiums to Help Members During COVID-19 Pandemic
In an effort to continue assisting NYCDCC members and retirees through the financial and physical strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Trustees has approved the following temporary changes to Welfare Fund eligibility and retiree premiums. These changes will be effective for the third quarter of the year… read more...
2020-2021 Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship Winners: Photo Gallery
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund (the “Fund), we would like to once again congratulate the 25 recipients of this year’s Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Their achievements, both academically and in their communities, are a testament to… read more...
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Benefits
Under the NYCDCC Welfare Fund, you have both In-Network and Out-of-Network benefits through Empire BlueCross BlueShield (“Empire”). However, it is more costly to you when using Out-of-Network providers. Out-of-Network benefits have higher Annual Deductibles, Co-Insurance, and Out-of-Pocket Maximums. In addition, you can also be balance-billed for any difference between the… read more...
Statement from NYCDCC EST Joseph Geiger on the Protests
The very foundation of the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters is to fight for the rights of every worker to be treated equally and to guarantee that every worker in our represented trades has rights in the workplace, a fair wage, a healthy family and hope… read more...
Getting COVID-19 Testing and Antibody Testing through Empire BlueCross BlueShield
Active NYCDCC members and pre-Medicare retirees eligible for Empire BlueCross BlueShield health coverage through the Welfare Fund have several cost-free, in-network and out-of-network options for undergoing COVID-19 testing and Antibody testing. Please note that walk-in testing without an appointment or prescription from a doctor is available at City MD Urgent… read more...
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Extension of Deadlines for COBRA Elections, COBRA Payments & Other Items
Pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), different deadlines apply to certain actions required by you with respect to your benefits from the New York City District Council of Carpenters Benefit Funds. On April 28, 2020, the Department of Labor and the Department of the Treasury… read more...
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
During May, the MEND program joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Emotional well-being is especially important during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has put the world on hold and forced most of us to stay indoors. According to a recent Kaiser Foundation poll, more than half of… read more...
Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Related Distributions & Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance
Some questions have arisen regarding whether taking a COVID-19-related distribution from the Annuity Fund per the special rules of the CARES Act can affect one's ability to receive unemployment benefits. In response to this inquiry, the Fund Office has put together the following Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQs"). Is it possible… read more...
MSK Direct Launches Personalized Website, Creates Unique COVID-19 Cancer Guide for NYCDCC Welfare Fund Participants
Since September 1, 2019, the New York City District Council of Carpenters (“NYCDCC”) Welfare Fund, through a partnership with MSK Direct, has been providing participants an opportunity to receive special access to cancer care from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which is universally recognized as one of the top cancer… read more...
Department of Labor (“DOL”) Issues COVID-19 FAQs for Employee Benefit Plan Participants and Beneficiaries
On Tuesday, April 28th, the DOL issued COVID-19 FAQs for Employee Benefit Plan Participants and Beneficiaries. To view this document, please click the image below. If you have more specific questions related to your Welfare, Pension, and Annuity Plans, please refer to your Summary Plan Descriptions ("SPDs") or contact the… read more...
Issues with Incorrect Annuity Account Balances on Prudential’s Website to be Addressed
The Fund Office is aware that some members may be experiencing issues with their annuity account balances. We are in communication with Prudential, who has reported to us that there was an issue which occurred during the nightly update to their system. They are currently working to resolve the issue… read more...
Empire BlueCross BlueShield Provides Link to Help Participants Find Local COVID-19 Testing Facilities
Empire BlueCross BlueShield, through a partnership with Castlight Health, has provided us a link to help you find COVID-19 testing facilities in your area. If you feel that you, or a dependent of yours, is in need of a test, all you have to do is click the link below… read more...
Congratulations to the 2020-2021 Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship Winners
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund is pleased to announce that twenty-five (25) students have been awarded the Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. Each student will now receive a $3,500.00 per year scholarship, which… read more...
Important Information Concerning Unemployment Insurance Call Backs and Potential Scams
For those of you who recently filed for unemployment, the NYCDCC Benefit Funds would like to provide you an important message from the New York State Department of Labor (“DOL”) concerning call backs from Unemployment Agents to complete claims. According to the New York State DOL, “To prevent fraud, anyone… read more...
June Vacation Payments to be Released One Month Early to Help Those Financially Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund, the Benefit Funds is pleased to announce that June vacation payments will be released one month early to help alleviate the financial strain that many have suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.… read more...
Update Concerning COVID-19 Related Amendments to NYCDCC Annuity Fund
Last week, the NYCDCC Benefit Funds announced that the Board of Trustees made changes to the Annuity Fund to allow members easier access to their individual retirement savings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although these changes were made effective immediately, the Fund Office noted that Prudential needed some time to implement… read more...
