IN THIS ISSUE:
- Did You Know You Have Two Pension Plans? The Basic and Supplemental Plans. When you work in a DGA-covered category on a project that is signatory to a DGA Collective Bargaining Agreement, you accrue benefits in both the DGA-Producer Basic and Supplemental Pension Plans. Combined, the Basic Plan, a traditional defined pension, and the Supplemental Plan, which is similar to a 401(k), offer generous benefits with flexible payment options once you qualify. This article provides a general overview of the two Plans’ most important concepts. Read the full article here.
- Make Sure to Complete a Beneficiary Designation Form and Keep it Updated. When was the last time you checked your beneficiary designations with the Plans? Maintaining an up-to-date Beneficiary Designation Form with the Plans office increases the likelihood that your survivors’ benefits will be distributed according to your wishes. You should regularly review this form and update it after major life events like marriage, divorce, births, etc. To learn more about how to review or complete this form, click here.
- Required Minimum Distributions Begin at Age 73 From Both the Basic and Supplemental Pension Plans. The year after you turn 73, federal law requires you to begin taking a minimum distribution from the DGA-Producer Pension Plans in which you have become vested. This article details the important rules that determine your Required Beginning Date (when you must begin receiving a minimum distribution) and your Required Minimum Distribution amount. To learn about these rules and how to request a distribution, read the full article.
- Advance Care Planning – Part Two. Advance care planning is the process of discussing and documenting your wishes for emergency medical treatment in the event of your incapacitation. This process is often an emotional and challenging one, especially when you must decide who you trust to execute your plans. This is the second installment in the Spotlight on Benefits’ Advance Care Planning series. Part One introduced the first two steps of the advance care planning process: (1) understand your current health status and (2) reflect and prioritize your care goals. This installment discusses step (3) designating a health care agent. To learn who a health care agent is, how to choose your agent and how to prepare them for their role and responsibilities, click here.
- Be.Well. Your Eyes Change as You Age. Here’s How to Care for Them. As you age, so do your eyes, and it’s common to experience changes in your vision over time. Common age-related eye conditions such as dry eyes and cloudiness may begin as a mild annoyance but can progress to a level that impedes your lifestyle. What can you do to prevent it? This Be.Well. article discusses the importance of routine eye exams to detect eye problems at an early stage and gives simple strategies to protect your eyes against age-related eye conditions.
- 2025 Annual Funding Notice. Each year, the Plans are required to release a notice that summarizes the Basic Pension Plan’s financial status. The 2025 Annual Funding Notice provides important information like the Basic Plan’s funded percentage, assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2025. The Basic Plan remains financially healthy. Read the full notice here.
