Dear Local 478 participants and Retirees: 

Please be advised of the following Pension Fund plan improvements:

Pension Fund Credit Increase

Effective October 1, 2026, the Pension credit accrual rate will increase from $94 to $100 for vested participants who initially retire on or after October 1, 2026, provided they have worked at least 140 hours in covered employment in a benefit year beginning on or after October 1, 2025.

Cost of Living Increases

For those Pensioners who initially began receiving monthly pension benefits from the Fund prior to October 1, 1998 – the monthly benefit you receive from the Pension Fund will increase by $100 per month, and this increase will be added to the benefit amount you normally receive from the Fund effective October 1, 2026.

For those Pensioners who initially began receiving monthly pension benefits from the Fund on and after October 1, 1998, but prior to October 1, 2024 – the monthly benefit you receive from the Pension Fund will increase by $50 per month and this increase will be added to the benefit amount you normally receive from the Fund effective October 1, 2026.

If you have any questions, please call the Fund office at 203-288-9261.

Best Wishes,

Debbe Palmieri