And now, as a retiree, Evelyn is especially aware of the value of her defined benefit pension. “Social Security doesn’t cover all of my expenses, so without my pension I don’t know how I’d stay afloat,” she said. “But when I add my pension and Social Security benefits together, I even have a little extra to help my grandchildren.”
These days, Evelyn stays active as the chairperson of the 1199SEIU Mattie Small Retirees Chapter in Brooklyn, encouraging her fellow retirees to take advantage of all the classes and activities the Retired Members Division (RMD) offers, to help them stay connected. Evelyn’s favorite is the RMD choral group. “I just love to sing,” she said, “and joining my 1199SEIU family in such a joyful way is so much fun.”
And it’s her defined benefit pension that allows her to enjoy it all, free from worry: “Now, more than ever,” Evelyn said, “I feel very fortunate to be a part of 1199SEIU.”
“Social Security doesn’t cover all of my expenses, so without my pension I don’t know how I’d stay afloat. But when I add my pension and Social Security benefits together, I even have a little extra to help my grandchildren.”
What Do Your Benefits Mean to You?
You count on your health benefits to support you in your efforts to stay healthy, whether it’s by getting regular checkups, keeping a chronic condition under control or just improving your lifestyle in general. But has there ever been a time when your health coverage literally saved your life or the life of a loved one? If so, we’d like to hear from you. To share your story with your fellow members in an upcoming issue of For Your Benefit, please contact the Funds at [email protected].
Russell Smith: Member Profile
Russell Smith credits his 1199SEIU health benefits with helping save his life after a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Heidi Espinal: Member Profile
Working to improve the health of those in her community, RN Heidi Espinal credits her benefits with helping her protect her own mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MaryGrace Colobong: Member Profile
After a trying year—both physically and emotionally—MaryGrace Colobong reflects on the peace of mind her 1199SEIU health benefits afforded her.