Reciprocity and “Money Follows the Carpenter”

Money follows the carpenter is a special provision under the International Reciprocity Agreement that allows you to have hours and contributions transferred to your home trust – the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington – when you temporarily work under a reciprocal plan. Money follows the carpenter allows you to accumulate contributions under your home trust. You must be a member of a Local Union in the jurisdiction covered by this plan for this trust to be your home trust.

To take advantage of money follows the carpenter, please contact the Enrollment Department at the Trust Office or your Local Union each time you work under a reciprocal plan. The Trust Office or your Local Union will send you an Authorization to Transfer Fringe Benefits form. This form must be completed as soon as possible but no later than 60 days from the onset of employment in the other jurisdiction. Contributions cannot be transferred retroactively. Money follows the carpenter also requires the home trust and the reciprocal trust to accept or transfer all retirement contributions, if required by the agreement. Vacation contributions are not transferred.