Continuation of Plan Participation
If you become totally disabled and qualify for benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan, you will continue to accrue Company Service just as if you had continued working.  While you continue to be totally disabled, your earnings will be assumed to remain the same as at the time you became disabled.  For purposes of determining your benefit, your average straight-time monthly earnings will be based on:

• the three calendar years in which your earnings were highest, during the ten calendar years just prior to your last day worked

or

• the final three years just prior to your last day worked.

For information on how your average straight-time monthly earnings during the final three years are calculated, refer to ”Calculating Your Earnings.”

Effect of Disability on Your Pension Benefit
If you continue to be totally disabled until age 65, you will be entitled to retire under the same conditions as any other participant.  If your disability ends before age 65, you will receive credit for Company Service for the period of your disability - provided you return to work or transfer from disability status to retirement status.  If you do not return to work or retire after your disability ends, you will be considered to have terminated employment on the date your disability began.