KYR_FuneralBenefits

A M ALGA M ATED TRANSIT UNION Know Your Rights ATU FUNERAL BENEFITS

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s part of its commitment to serving transit employees, the ATU provides a funeral benefit to assist in the proper burial of deceased members. This article serves as a guide to ease access to this benefit.

Section 27 of the ATU Constitution and General Laws provides for a one-time $1,000 benefit for either dismemberment or funeral costs. Members and nonmember feepayers in good standing qualify for the assistance after their one-year anniversary with the Union.

To obtain the benefit, a claimant must contact the local financial secretary, or in the case of members-atlarge the International Secretary-Treasurer, and provide: an original or certified copy, of the member’s or feepayer’s death certificate, or in the case of dismemberment benefits, a doctor’s certificate with records of the date of the accident; and a copy of the funeral bill with the current payment status.

and next to pay the individual who paid the funeral bill. Any remaining balance will then be distributed according to Section 27.9 of the ATU Constitution. If no will or testament has been made by the deceased, payment of the remaining benefit will be made to the widow or widower, or if there is none, to the children and grandchildren of the member or feepayer.

The benefit becomes unavailable if claims are not settled within seven (7) years from the date of death, or within two (2) years following a dismemberment.

“Dismemberment” is defined by Section 27.1 of the ATU Constitution as the loss of a hand at or above the wrist, the loss of a foot at or above the ankle joint, or the loss of the sight in both eyes.

Recipients should be aware that there may be tax implications for the recipient of the benefit and appropriate tax professionals should be consulted.

The payment status must be current to avoid unnecessary delay in receiving the death benefit because the Union’s first obligation is to pay the funeral home,

Amalgamated Transit Union AFL-CIO/CLC 5025 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 202.537.1645 www.atu.org