Administration of The Plan

1. Administration

The Plan is administered by a Board of Trustees which serves as Trustee of the fund and is responsible for the management and proper operation of the Plan. The Board consists of not less than three (3) members. 

The Board has the power to interpret the provisions of the Plan, to determine questions relating to eligibility, participation, and benefits and such other powers, authority and duties as are necessary for the operation and administration of the Plan and as prescribed by the Plan documents.
The Board holds regular meetings throughout the year in order to carry out its administrative duties on a current and complete basis.

2. Trust Fund - Investments

The Trust Fund established as part of the Plan is the depository of all contributions and assets required for benefits under this Plan and other qualified Plans established by the Diocese. Professional investment managers are appointed by the Board to handle investment decisions and are subject to ongoing review. All Fund assets, including asset appreciation and Fund earnings, are held in the Trust Fund for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits for Plan Members and beneficiaries.

3. How to File for a Benefit

You may obtain an application for benefits from the Benefits Office (address given on the last page). The completed application, along with all requested supporting documentation, must be returned to the Benefits Office. Once the completed application is received, your benefit status will be determined by the actuary and you will be notified by the Benefits Office accordingly.

4. Denied Claims Procedure

If you believe that you are eligible to claim benefits under the Plan, your claim should be filed in writing with the Plan Administrator. If your claim for benefits is denied, in whole or in part, you or your beneficiary will receive a written notice from the Plan within 90 days after the date on which your claim was filed. The Plan Administrator can extend this period for an additional 90 days by notifying you or your beneficiary of the reasons for the extension and the date when you can expect to receive a decision. The written notice will provide you or your beneficiary with:

• The specific reason or reasons for the denial;

• Specific reference to the Plan provisions on which the denial was based;

• A list of any additional information necessary to support your claim (along with an explanation of why the additional material is necessary); and 

• An explanation of steps to take if you wish to submit your claim for review.

If you wish to appeal a denied claim, you or your beneficiary must file a written request for a review of the denial of the claim for benefits with the Plan Administrator within 60 days after receipt of a claims denial notice. The request must include all information not previously submitted that you or your beneficiary want to be considered in connection with the claim. On request to the Plan Administrator, you can review plan documents and other information pertinent to the request for review.

Generally, the Plan Administrator will make a final decision within 60 days after you file your request for appeal. This period can be extended to 120 days after your request for appeal by a notice to you that explains the reason for the extension and the date you can expect to receive a decision. The Plan Administrator has final discretionary authority to determine whether you are eligible for a benefit, and to decide all questions relating to the Plan and to interpret the Plan. You will receive the Plan Administrator’s final decision in writing.

Any other claims you may have against the Plan should also be filed with the Plan Administrator and will be considered in accordance with the foregoing procedures.

5. Name and Address Changes 

You shall be responsible for notifying the Benefits Office of any change in your name or address to which any benefits payable under the Plan or other communications are to be mailed. If any check in payment of a benefit hereunder (which was mailed by regular United States mail to your last known address) is returned unclaimed, no further action shall be taken until a determination therefore is made by the Board.

6. Employer Identification Number

The Employer Identification Number is 59-2438903.

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