How can I put money into my 401k Plan?
You may only contribute to the 401k Plan on a pre-tax basis through wage deductions up to the annual statutory limit. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Plan Administrator at (503) 224-0048 or (800) 547-4457, extension 1677, for an Enrollment Packet.

Contribution or loan payment statements may be requested from the Plan Administrator at (503) 224-0048 or (800) 547-4457, extension 1677. These statements are provided upon request only.

How do I request a distribution from the Plan?
To request a distribution from the Western States 401k, you must first contact New York Life Benefits Complete at (800) 294-3575, Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT, or via the web at www.bcomplete.com to request a Distribution Request Form.

Your completed Distribution Request Form must be forwarded to the Plan Administrator for review and approval.

Your Distribution Request Form will be reviewed, and if complete, the approved request will be forwarded to New York Life for processing via USPS Priority Mail. Your check should be mailed within two weeks from the date of receipt by the Plan Administrator, although the Plan Administrator does have up to 90 days to complete the request.

If your request is not approved, you will be notified by letter.

If you elect to rollover your account balance to an IRA or another qualified retirement plan, no taxes or penalties would apply at the time. Please note that some distributions are not eligible for rollover.

Specific questions relating to your individual situation should be directed to your tax advisor and we suggest that you read through the Special Tax Notice included with the Distribution Request Form.

If you requested a rollover distribution, upon receipt of the check it is your responsibility to promptly forward the check to the new plan or IRA custodian for deposit.

How can I change my name or address?
To change your name or address, please call the Plan Administator or complete the Name and Address Change Form. The completed form should be sent to the Plan Administrator at:

Western States 401k
1220 SW Morrison St., Suite 300
Portland, OR 97205

What will happen to my account if I should die?
If you should die before having received your entire account balance, the remaining balance is payable to your beneficiary(ies). Your spouse is automatically your beneficiary, unless you designate, and your spouse consents, in writing on the Beneficiary Designation Form to another beneficiary. Contact New York Life Benefits Complete at (800) 294-3575, Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT, or via the web at www.bcomplete.com to request a Beneficiary Designation Form. Completed Designation Forms should be sent to the Plan Administrator at:

Western States 401k
1220 SW Morrison St., Suite 300
Portland, OR 97205

If you are unmarried at the time of your death, there is no designation form on file, or your named beneficiary died before you, the Plan requires that benefits be paid out to the following beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries with priority in the following order:

1. Spouse;
2. Children and children of the deceased children, per stirpes, where children include natural, step and adopted children;
3. Parents;
4. Brothers and sisters and nephews and nieces, who are children of deceased brothers and sisters, per stirpes, and
5. Participant’s estate.

There are specific requirements that a Domestic Relations Order must meet to be deemed Qualified under the Plan, the sample Order may be provided to your attorney as a guide in preparing your Order.

Furthermore, we recommend that you provide the Plan Administrator with a draft or preliminary copy of your Order prior to filing with the Court. The Plan Administrator and the Plan's legal counsel can review the preliminary Order to ensure that it meets the requirements necessary to be deemed a Qualified Domestic Relations Order under the Western States 401k Retirement Fund of the OPEIU.

How do I request a participant loan?
To apply for a participant loan, please contact New York Life Benefits Complete at (800) 294-3575, Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT, or via the web at www.bcomplete.com.