SUMMER 2026
A Quarterly Benefits Publication from CSAC
PENSI&N • HE()TH & WE),(-E • .(/(TI&N • (NN0IT1
Disability Hours Credit
After an illness, Michael Carpenter was forced to step away from work and focus on recovery. Like many carpenters, what he did next made all the difference in protecting his eligibility for health benefits.
Scenario 1: Staying on Track Michael acted quickly. He obtained the required Disability Hours Credit Claim Form from the csacbenefits.org website and had it certified by a covered licensed medical practitioner (M.D., D.O., D.P.M., P.A., or N.P.); a chiropractor (DC) is NOT considered a covered physician. He completed the required form and submitted it to CSAC within 120 days of the start of his disability. Because he had accredited work hours within the 90 days before his disability date, was actively covered during the previous 6 months, and was NOT receiving a pension from the Western States Carpenters Pension Trust, he met all eligibility requirements. As a result, Michael qualified for up to 6 months in disability hours credit, allowing him to maintain his benefits while he recovered.
Scenario 2: Missing Deadline In this scenario, Michael did NOT submit his form on time. He waited too long to follow up with his doctor and missed the 120-day submission deadline. Even though he may have met the requirements, he missed the deadline to submit his Disability Hours Credit Form. As a result, his claim was denied. No disability hours were credited, and his health benefits were at risk of lapsing when his reserve bank hours were exhausted.
When requirements are met and documentation is submitted accurately and on time, Michael may be awarded up to 120 hours per month for up to 6 months, helping to maintain his benefits while he recovers. It is important to consider that filing for disability hours credit due to injury or illness with the Health and Welfare Trust is different from applying for state disability benefits. You must complete both processes separately. If you need further assistance, contact CSAC at (800) 293-1370 or visit the Life Events page of our website at csacbenefits.org.
To qualify for Disability Hours Credit, all of the following requirements must be met: • A Disability Hours Credit Claim Form completed by a covered licensed medical practitioner • Submitted to the Administrative Office within 120 days of your disability start date • Must have reported work hours within the 90-day period ending on the date of disability
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CSACBENEFITS.ORG
• Must have been eligible during the 6 months that immediately precede the month you became disabled, without Buy Back Hours, or on COBRA • Must NOT be receiving a pension from the Western States Carpenters Pension Trust