Vol. IX, Issue 8
August 31, 2011
General Board Holiday Closing
The General Board will be closed Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day. Financial markets in the United States will be closed, and customer service assistance will be unavailable on this day.
The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, accessible by calling 800.851.2201, will be available. Participants can use the IVR to access account information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Wire transfers and checks received by 3:00 p.m., Central time, on Friday, September 2, will be processed that day; those received after 3:00 p.m. will be processed on Tuesday, September 6.
Benefits Access Launch Preparations Underway
We are pleased to inform you that the General Board is in final preparations for the launch of its new participant account management tool, Benefits Access.
Benefits Access—which replaces the Online Account Services Information System (OASIS)—offers several upgrades, including enhanced security, new and improved retirement benefits projection tools, educational resources, electronic delivery of statements and Hark newsletters, and the ability to view beneficiary designations and update contact information. Click here to learn more about the new features and view registration instructions.
Systems Unavailable—September 3 to 5In order to complete the launch preparations, OASIS, Benefits Access for plan sponsors and the Wespath Institutional Portal will be unavailable Friday, September 2 at 8:00 p.m., Central time through Monday, September 5 at 8:00 a.m., Central time. However, the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system will be available. Participants can access account information through the IVR by calling 800.851.2201.
New ‘Wizard’ Eases LifeStage Election ProcessFollowing the launch, participants will have access to the LifeStage wizard, which allows them to enroll and manage their personal investment profiles. Participants who do not use LifeStage also can make investment elections through the new system. However, the General Board will continue to process paper forms for LifeStage enrollment and investment elections. Plan Sponsors will no longer be able to make these elections for participants.
If you have questions, please contact your account manager at 800.269.2244, ext.7003.
Webinars Give Plan Sponsors First LookThe General Board will host conference/plan sponsor webinars previewing the new Benefits Access. Webinars will be offered:
- Wednesday, August 31, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Central time,
- Wednesday, September 7, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Central time, and
- Thursday, September 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Central time.
All sessions will cover the same information, so please choose the one that best fits your schedule. Click here to register for a webinar. You will receive a confirmation by e-mail that contains instructions for accessing the webinar.
If you have questions about the webinar, send an e-mail to amueller@gbophb.org.
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