Early Retirement Benefit

Eligibility for Early Retirement Benefit

A Participant may retire and receive an Early Retirement Benefit prior to attaining age 65 if the Participant is at least age 52 (effective January 1, 2000) and has accumulated at least five Qualified Years (effective January 1, 1998) (not counting Qualified Years forfeited prior to January 1, 1998, due to a permanent Break in Service). In order to be considered retired and entitled to an Early Retirement Benefit, a Participant cannot perform any work covered by the Plan for the first calendar month of his retirement. Amount of Early Retirement Benefit