Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA)

If you are called to active military duty in the uniformed services covered by USERRA, you must notify your employer before taking leave (unless precluded by military necessity or other reasonable cause). If you are covered under the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington at that time, you must also notify the Trust Office to ensure proper crediting of service under USERRA and proper use of your eligibility under this plan. A copy of your Standard Travel Order for Military Personnel is required by the Trust Office before taking leave.

If your military service lasts less than 31 days (for example, active duty for training), this plan will continue to cover you and your eligible dependents. If your military service lasts 31 days or longer, you may:

• Elect to continue using your eligibility under this plan until it is exhausted at which time you may elect Self-Contribution Coverage for up to 24 months.
• Elect to “freeze” your eligibility under this plan for use upon release from military duty. If you elect to “freeze” your coverage, you and your dependents are covered through the end of the month in which coverage was frozen.

Upon release from military duty, you must return to covered employment as follows:

• Less than 31 days military service – apply immediately, taking into account safe transportation plus an eight-hour rest period.
• 31-180 days military service – apply within 14 days.
• More than 180 days military service – apply within 90 days.

If you are hospitalized or convalescing, these reemployment deadlines are extended while you recover (but not longer than two years).

When you return to covered employment within the time limits listed above, your employer is required to notify the Trust Office, in writing, within 30 days of your reemployment. A copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty is also required. At that time, you and your eligible dependents will be covered under this plan without a waiting period or other delays. Please contact the Trust Office for assistance with this process.