I am a life long member and member in good standing of the Carpenter Union. I had a stroke and havebeen enduring the long process of SSI disability. Along the way, my union allowed me to draw temporary didability for one year (which is now lapsed). The board of trusties has approved me being able to draw my pension for being disabled as long as I am awarded benefits through SSI Disability. I have letters from two doctors stateing that I cannot return to construction nor should I drive a motor vehicle. If I am disabled from the "Trade" and unable to return, can I still get my pension, even tho a SSI decision is months away? My union representative says that my pension is tied to the Federal government in a way that nothing can be done. Is this true?

