Consent to Release Version 1.0
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization for Claim Payments Version 1.0
Guide to Applying for Freezing of Hours Version 1.0
Guide to Applying for Weekly Disability Benefits Version 2020
Health Spending Account Claim Form Version 1.0
Pre-Determination - Hospital Bed Assessment Form Version 2017
Pre-Determination - Knee Brace Version 2017
Pre-Determination - Nursing Care Assessment Form Version 2017
Pre-Determination - Oxygen Concentrator Assessment Form Version 2017
Pre-Determination - Wheelchair Assessment Form Version 2017
Prescription Drug Special Authorization Request Form Version 1.0
Consent to Release Version 1.0
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization for Claim Payments Version 1.0
Guide to Applying for Freezing of Hours Version 1.0
Guide to Applying for Weekly Disability Benefits Version 2020
Health Spending Account Claim Form Version 1.0
Pre-Determination - Hospital Bed Assessment Form Version 2017
Pre-Determination - Knee Brace Version 2017
Pre-Determination - Nursing Care Assessment Form Version 2017
Pre-Determination - Oxygen Concentrator Assessment Form Version 2017
Pre-Determination - Wheelchair Assessment Form Version 2017
Prescription Drug Special Authorization Request Form Version 1.0
Tips & Questions
How do I become eligible under the Plan?
You and your eligible dependents will become eligible for all benefits except Life Insurance benefits on the first day of the second month following a period of not more than 3 consecutive calendar months during which you have accumulated at least 250 hours in your Hour Bank Account, provided you are actively at work or available for work on the day you would ordinarily become eligible.
For Basic Member Life Insurance, Basic Dependent Life Insurance, Optional Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverages, you and your eligible dependents will initially become eligible prior to accumulating 250 hours if you are a member in good standing with the Union and hours have been reported on your behalf.
How long does coverage continue?
Hours worked for contributing employers by each employee will be credited to the individual's "reserve account". 125 hours of work credit will be deducted from each eligible employee's "reserve account" for each month of insurance coverage, and employees will continue to remain eligible as long as their reserve accounts contain at least 125 hours of work credit. Employees will be allowed to accumulate excess hours in their reserve accounts up to a maximum of 1250 hours.
NOTE: Each eligible employee is responsible for knowing what his/her reserve account balance is at any time. Please contact the Call Centre to verify eligibility before incurring any expenses.
What is the Individual's Hour-Bank Reserve Account?
This is an account kept by FAS for each employee who works for a contributing employer. Employers report the number of hours worked by the employee to FAS. The hours are placed in the employee's reserve account. This is similar to a bank account, with hours being deposited instead of dollars. In order to pay for his/her coverage, an employee has hours deducted or withdrawn from his/her account.
Can I continue coverage if I run out of hours?
An employee who is in good standing with the Union and whose eligibility terminates may continue coverage from month to month (up to a maximum of 18 consecutive self-payments) by making self-payments. The first payment must be made prior to the termination of eligibility; payments must be continuous so long as the employee is eligible to make them and must be made in advance of the month for which coverage is desired or in before the third business day of the month that you need the benefits for. You will receive a self-payment letter a month before your benefits are terminated with instructions in how to make the payments. Employees who are eligible due to self-payments are NOT eligible for Weekly Disability benefits.
For further information concerning the amount of self-payment, grace periods that may be allowed by the Trustees for such payments, and other requirements which must be met, please contact the Call Centre.
Will I be covered if I am attending Trade School?
Whenever an apprentice attends a recognized trade school related to their employment for at least two consecutive weeks in any calendar month, no deduction will be made from their reserve account for that month. This will continue until the month following the month in which their said classes end, provided, however, that an apprentice may not obtain a deduction deferment under this clause for any period of school longer than three consecutive months for any one series of apprenticeship classes. The member must complete a Freezing of Hours form and have it signed by the Local Union office. "Freezing of Hours" forms may be obtained from your Local Union Office, from FAS or by clicking on the Freezing of Hours form in the Forms section.
How do I register for benefits?
A "Registration Form" must be completed fully and sent to FAS via mail as we require the originals. If you delay returning the Registration Form it may impact the reimbursement of claims. Blank Registration Forms are available from your Local Union Office, FAS or in the Forms & Documents section.
How do I make a name/address change?
Whenever you have an address change you can fully complete the change of address form and for a name change you are required to complete the Registration Form in full and return the original document to FAS including the proof of your name change i.e. marriage certificate, etc.. Changes may include:
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Change of name or address
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Change of marital/dependent status
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Change of beneficiary
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Change of benefit coverage for dependent
We had a baby 3 months ago, how do I add him/her to my benefit plan?
Whenever you have an address change you can fully complete the change of address form and for a name change you are required to complete the Registration Form in full and return the original document to FAS including the proof of your name change i.e. marriage certificate, etc.. Changes may include:
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Change of name or address
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Change of marital/dependent status
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Change of beneficiary
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Change of benefit coverage for dependent
My son/daughter is now 21 years old, is he/she still covered? For how long?
A) Coverage for unmarried dependents may be extended beyond the age of 21 but under 25 years of age if the child is attending an accredited educational institute, college or university on a full-time basis provided they meet the criteria for an Over Age Dependent. Proof of school from the institution's registrar's office must be submitted to FAS.
B) Children who are incapable of supporting themselves because of a physical or mental disorder are covered without an age limit if the order begins before they turn 21, or while they are a student under the age of 25, and the disorder has been continuous since that time. You would need to provide a report or letter from the dependent's personal physician confirming the diagnosis and prognosis for the dependent, and the extent to which the physician determines the dependent is unable to work.
When do my dependents get coverage under this Plan? What benefits do they qualify for?
Your eligible dependents become covered for benefits at the same time you become eligible. A Registration Form must be on file for at least one year before your common-law spouse and any children of that common-law spouse (as indicated on the form) are eligible for coverage (unless the Statutory Declaration on the Registration form has been completed). Refer to your Plan Booklet for a description of the benefits your dependents qualify for. A copy of the Booklet can be found in the Forms & Documents section on the FAS website or can also be requested by contacting the Call Centre.
How do I apply for Weekly Disability Benefits?
If you become totally disabled due to a non-occupational injury or sickness you will receive a disability benefit, provided you are under the continual treatment of a qualified and licensed physician.
Benefits for any one disability are payable from the 1st day of disability due to a non-occupational accident or sickness. Your benefit will be payable for not more than 104 weeks for any one period of disability. If you should become Wholly Disabled by a Non-Occupational accident or sickness, you shall become entitled to a Weekly Disability Income benefit of $595 effective January 1, 2021 per week.
Weekly Disability benefits will be reduced by any income received from the Alberta Ironworkers Pension Fund.
No benefits are payable during the 15-week period during which Employment Insurance Act benefits are paid or are payable to you. You will only receive benefits under this plan during the 15-week period if you provide proof you are not eligible for Employment Insurance benefits.
This plan pays benefits for the post-natal recovery period of maternity leave.
If you return to active work for at least two weeks following a period of disability, any recurrence of this same disability will be considered a new period of disability.
To apply for benefits complete the Weekly Disability Benefits Form and send it to FAS. In order to be eligible for weekly disability, applications MUST be received within 180 days from the date of disability.
What happens to my benefits if I am receiving Weekly Disability?
Whenever an eligible employee is disabled and is receiving Workers' Compensation benefits or Weekly Disability benefits from this Fund or Employment Insurance Accident and Sickness benefits for at least two consecutive weeks in any calendar month, no deductions will be made from his/her reserve account for that month. In other words, his/her reserve account will be "frozen". The maximum period for which an employee's hours will be frozen under this rule for any one continuous period of disability is 24 months.
If you receive Workers' Compensation benefits or Employment Insurance Accident and Sickness benefits, you must notify FAS of the duration of your disability so that your reserve account may be frozen for the period described above i.e. your monthly statements showing that you are receiving payments from WCB or EI Sickness. "Freezing of Hours" forms may be obtained from your Local Union Office, from FAS or from the Forms & Documents section
What is a pre-determination?
A pre-determination is a proposed course of treatment submitted to FAS by your dentist or orthodontist (by your provider) to determine allowable procedures, the eligible amount payable, and the maximum allowance for the calendar year (January to December).
We strongly recommend you submit a pre-determination well in advance of any proposed treatment if the estimated cost is $300 or more. If necessary, your dentist (provider) may be required to submit dental x-rays or documents to support the planned treatment. If so, the original x-rays will be promptly returned to your dentist after the review is complete.
Are there any special instructions for submitting orthodontic claims or paramedical practitioner claims?
Orthodontic Claim
When you submit an orthodontic claim without a dentist's or orthodontist's signature, you must attach all necessary original receipts. Monthly adjustments will only be reimbursed once the service has been provided.
Paramedical Practitioner
For paramedical practitioner services such as massage therapy and physiotherapy, please ensure that the practitioner's name and license number are on the receipt. Having the practitioner include their registration and license number will allow for faster payment of your claim. Staple the receipts to the Supplementary Health Claim form along with a letter from your doctor if a doctor's referral is required – refer to your benefits booklet or contact the Call Centre to confirm if a referral is required.
Where should I send completed claim forms?
Completed claim forms, original receipts and other supporting documentation should be sent to:
Funds Administrative Service Inc.
10154 – 108 Street, NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1L3
Or by email to: info@fasadmin.com
Fax: (780) 452-5388
Is there a deadline for submitting my claims?
A claim for a waiver of premium benefit must be submitted within 12 months of the date you become disabled.
A claim for disability income benefits must be submitted within 6 months of the end of the Qualifying Disability Period. Refer to your booklet for further details.
All other claims must be submitted within 18 months following the date the loss or expense is incurred. However, in the event of termination of insurance, a claim must be submitted within 90 days following the date of termination.
For dental offices to submit claims electronically they must include the following:
Policyholder - Ironworkers Health & Welfare Trust Fund of Western Canada
Plan Policy Number – 6115
Carrier Identification Number – 610614
I want to confirm eligibility or view my hours/contributions - what is my username and password?
You should have received a letter in the mail which confirmed your user name and password. If you did not receive this letter, please email us at info@fasadmin.com to request a new letter with your user name and password. Please include confirmation of your mailing address in your email. You can also call us during regular business hours at 1-800-770-2998 or (780) 452-5161.
Can't find your Question here?
You can also contact our Call Centre if your question requires a more immediate response.