Who qualifies for retirement benefits?
In general, if you work under SAG-AFTRA-negotiated contracts that require contributions to be made on your behalf to the AFTRA Retirement Fund, your earnings are considered “covered earnings.” If you meet a minimum covered earnings level (see chart below) in a “base year” (Dec. 1 - Nov. 30), you will earn a pension credit for that year. Generally, if you accumulate at least five pension credits* throughout your career, you become vested for a Retirement Plan benefit.  This means you do not lose your right to a pension benefit, even if you leave covered employment before reaching the age when you can apply for a Retirement Plan benefit.

Minimum covered earnings required to earn a pension credit

 
Note: Grandfathering provisions allow certain performers to earn pension credits and/or vesting service for covered earnings less than the amounts listed in the chart above. If you had covered earnings prior to Nov. 30, 2002, refer to the current Retirement Fund Summary Plan Description and any subsequent Benefits Updates or call Participant Services at (800) 562-4690 to determine how these special provisions may apply to you.

How your pension is calculated
Retirement Plan at-a-glance main page
Retirement Fund section intro page

* Special vesting rules may apply based upon the number of Pension Credits you accumulated and when you earned them. For additional information, call Participant Services at (800) 562-4690, refer to the current Retirement Fund Summary Plan Description and any subsequent Benefits Updates.