Local 1245 Death Benefit

Death benefits have a long history in American labor unions, dating back to an era when workers often didn't have enough money to pay for their own funerals. Local 1245 members in good standing are covered by a $1,000 death benefit through Anthem Life Insurance Company. Spouses of members are covered by a $500 death benefit. Coverage is automatic after the new member completes the beneficiary designation card provided by the union.

Please note there has been a recent life insurance eligibility rule change. Effective July 1, 2008, the policy reads:

“For the purpose of Life Insurance benefits, an eligible member is a person who is an insured individual under age 70 which will remain eligible so long as he maintains an active membership in good standing. If an insured individual has attained age 70 on or after February 1, 1973, he remains eligible so long as he maintains an active membership in good standing and is actively working at his craft. The insured individual must be a resident of the United States.”

To clarify: You are eligible for the Life Insurance Plan if you are under age 70 and are a member in good standing of Local 1245. Being a “member in good standing” includes retirees who are paying non-working dues. You can remain eligible after reaching age 70 if you are a member in good standing and actively working in the trade

When notified of an eligible member's death, the union confirms the person's membership status and their named beneficiary. The union sends a letter to the beneficiary. The letter requests an official death certificate. The letter also includes a "benefits claim form" for the beneficiary to fill out and return. The union forwards the certificate, claim form and beneficiary card to Anthem Life, which sends the check directly to the claimant. The entire process takes approximately 3 weeks.