QUOTES FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

“The preservation of health is easier than the cure for the disease.”

Me – But I am paraphrasing Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536)

“Inaction, has a way of masquerading as safety—when in fact, it’s often the most dangerous move of all.”

– Me

THE SUMMER 2025 “HOT READS” LIST

1. The I.B.E.W. Local 697 H&B SPD

Is it thrilling? Not exactly.
Could it save you hundreds—or save you from hours of frustration? Absolutely.
📘 It’s less “plot twist,” more “smart move.”

2. The 2024–2025 Benefit Funds Newsletters

Riveting? Sometimes. Useful? Always.

Turns out, life gets a lot less surprising when you actually read them. At the very least, hindsight is free—especially if you read it in advance.

THE PERFECT SUMMER EVENING

As Voted by the Engaged Members of IBEW Local 697

1. A Local 697 Membership Meeting
Surprisingly satisfying - And let’s be honest—there’s air conditioning.

2. Sweet tea on the porch, feet up, and back issues of the Benefit Funds Newsletters. The smartest people we know? Read the boring stuff before it matters. Think of it as the calm before the claim or pre-season training for staying covered.

WE ARE MORE THAN HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE………IT’S STILL SUMMER!

QUOTES TO CONTEMPLATE FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

“Lively up yourself, and don’t be no drag”

Bob Marley

“Summer night – even the stars are whispering to each other”

Kobayashi Issa

SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE!

Attention all Apprentices, Journeypersons, and Early Retirees
If you are interested in learning the “ins and outs” of your Health and Benefit Plan
Make certain to reserve your space at either of the September 14th or September 28th
Gatherings in the Union Hall
Those meetings will begin at 6:00 P.M. on both those two Thursdays
Spouses are Welcome
To reserve your spot, call the Fund Office at: 219-940-6181.

NEED SOME SUMMER READING? CLICK THE NEWSLETTER TAB.

3rd CALENDAR QUARTER – SHORTAGE OF HOURS

PAYMENT REMINDER

Shortage of hours payments for Health and Benefit Fund coverage in the third calendar quarter of 2023 are due at the Benefit Fund office no later than 4:30 P.M. on Friday, June 30th. As always, the rules as it relates to participants with a HRA balance large enough to cover their full shortage of hours payment are in effect. (Hey, we got your back!)

For those that do not have sufficient enough HRA balances to cover the full shortage of hours payment, but wish to utilize some or all of their HRA benefit to offset a portion of your shortage of hours payment, make certain that:

  • You make that election within the Create portal at least fourteen days in advance of the aforementioned due date and,
  • Your balance payment arrives at the Fund Office well in advance of 4:30 P.M. on Friday, June 30th.

THE 2023 SUMMER NEWSLETTER IS OUT!

It contains some very important information that each MPP&T participant needs to know as well as the dates and times of September’s Health & Benefit Plan educational meetings.

To access that information, and the rest of the Summer 2023 newsletter, click on the newsletter tab of this site.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH OF JUNE 2023

“If you can’t tell what you desperately need, it’s probably sleep.”

Kevin Kelly

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Serving electrical professionals since 1964

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Annuity

Annuity plan summary, benefits, and FAQ
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Healthcare

Plan benefits and tier, designated hospitals, and FAQ
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Pension

Retirement types, benefits, claims and appeals, and FAQ
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Plan P

Qualification criteria, benefits, and plan information

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Sub Fund

Application form, benefits, and retiree coverage

WE ARE AFFILIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES

  • ibew697
  • Electrical Training Center
  • National Electrical Contractors Association
  • International Brotherhood Electrical Worker