Who qualifies for retirement benefits?
In general, if you work under AFTRA-negotiated contracts that require contributions to be made on your behalf to the AFTRA Retirement Fund, your earnings are considered “covered earnings.” If you meet a minimum covered earnings level (see chart below) in a “Base Year” (December 1 - November 30), you will earn a Pension Credit for that year. Generally, if you accumulate at least five Pension Credits* throughout your career, you become vested for a Retirement Plan benefit. This means you do not lose your right to a pension benefit, even if you leave covered employment before reaching the age when you can apply for a Retirement Plan benefit.
Minimum covered earnings required to earn a Pension Credit
| Time period | Minimum AFTRA-covered earnings |
| For base years December 1, 1989 - November 30, 1990 through December 1, 2001 - November 30, 2002 … | $5,000 annual minimum
AFTRA-covered earnings |
| For base years December 1, 2002 - November 30, 2003 through December 1, 2008 - November 30, 2009 … | $7,500 annual minimum
AFTRA-covered earnings |
| For base years December 1, 2009 - November 30, 2010 and after … | $15,000 annual minimum
AFTRA-covered earnings |
Note: Grandfathering provisions allow certain performers to earn Pension Credits and/or Vesting Service for covered earnings less than the amounts listed in the chart above. If you had covered earnings prior to Nov. 30, 2002, refer to pages 11-13 of the 2006 Retirement Plan Summary Plan Description or call Participant Services at (800) 562-4690 to determine how these special provisions may apply to you.
How your pension is calculated
Retirement Plan at-a-glance intro page
Benefits at-a-glance main page
* Special vesting rules may apply based upon the number of Pension Credits you accumulated and when you earned them. Call Participant Services at (800) 562-4690, or refer to pages 10-13 of the 2006 Retirement Plan Summary Plan Description and relevant Benefits Updates for details and additional information.