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Backstretch Pension Program
Securing the Future of Maryland’s Backstretch Workers
Since 1988, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association has proudly provided retirement benefits to Maryland’s backstretch workers through the Backstretch Pension Plan. Funded through annual allocations from the throughrbed purse account, the program allows eligible workers to build retirement benefits without making individual contributions. The plan reflects the MTHA’s longstanding commitment to the men and women whose hard work and dedication are essential to Maryland racing.
Anyone employed in the care of horses on the backstretch in Maryland, including trainers, may be eligible to participate.
Anyone employed in the care of horses on the backstretch in Maryland, including trainers, may be eligible to participate.
Eligibility & Enrollment:
The MTHA Backstretch Pension Plan is designed to provide long-term retirement security for the men and women who dedicate their careers to Maryland racing.
To qualify, individuals must work a minimum of 1,000 hours during the calendar year on the backstretch at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, and/or the Fair Hill Training Center. Applicants must provide proof of employment, such as a W-2, 1099, or tax return.Enrollment takes place annually through the MTHA online registration portal from April 1 through June 1.
Participants must register each year to receive service credit for the previous calendar year.Retirement benefits become available at age 65, or as early as age 55 for participants with at least 25 years of qualifying service.
To qualify, individuals must work a minimum of 1,000 hours during the calendar year on the backstretch at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, and/or the Fair Hill Training Center. Applicants must provide proof of employment, such as a W-2, 1099, or tax return.Enrollment takes place annually through the MTHA online registration portal from April 1 through June 1.
Participants must register each year to receive service credit for the previous calendar year.Retirement benefits become available at age 65, or as early as age 55 for participants with at least 25 years of qualifying service.
INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE
The MTHA Board of Directors remains committed to protecting the retirement security of Maryland’s backstretch workforce. In recent years, the Board has approved annual contributions of $1 million to strengthen the pension fund and support the long-term financial well-being of eligible participants.
The plan is administered in partnership with John Hancock Retirement, providing participants with secure online and mobile access to view account balances, track contributions, and manage investments.
For questions about your pension account, please contact: Alison Bach at Pollard & Associates at 443-689-2549.
The plan is administered in partnership with John Hancock Retirement, providing participants with secure online and mobile access to view account balances, track contributions, and manage investments.
For questions about your pension account, please contact: Alison Bach at Pollard & Associates at 443-689-2549.
register with john hancock:
The MTHA encourages all horsemen to take advantage of the new tools and resources now available to help secure your financial future. One of the easiest ways to do this is by registering for online access to your Backstretch Pension Account through John Hancock.
With just a few simple steps, you can stay informed about your retirement savings and take control of your financial planning.
Retirement dreams don’t just happen – they require thoughtful planning. By registering online, you’ll have 24/7 access to your pension account, enabling you to:
• Monitor your contributions and investment growth on a daily basis.
• Review any plan updates and important documents.
• Make informed decisions about your indivual retirement strategy.
How to Get Started:
Registering is easy and only takes a few minutes.
1. Visit myplan.johnhancock.com or download John Hancock’s Retirement app.
2. Enter your information, including the Contract Number: 167724.
3. Create a username and password and choose challenge questions.
That’s it – you’re all set to begin managing your Backstretch Pension Account online!Take Control of Your Retirement Planning. By registering today, you’ll be taking an important step toward a secure and comfortable retirement. Don’t delay – start making the most of your MTHA retirement plan now!
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the MTHA office at 410-902-6842 for help.
With just a few simple steps, you can stay informed about your retirement savings and take control of your financial planning.
Retirement dreams don’t just happen – they require thoughtful planning. By registering online, you’ll have 24/7 access to your pension account, enabling you to:
• Monitor your contributions and investment growth on a daily basis.
• Review any plan updates and important documents.
• Make informed decisions about your indivual retirement strategy.
How to Get Started:
Registering is easy and only takes a few minutes.
1. Visit myplan.johnhancock.com or download John Hancock’s Retirement app.
2. Enter your information, including the Contract Number: 167724.
3. Create a username and password and choose challenge questions.
That’s it – you’re all set to begin managing your Backstretch Pension Account online!Take Control of Your Retirement Planning. By registering today, you’ll be taking an important step toward a secure and comfortable retirement. Don’t delay – start making the most of your MTHA retirement plan now!
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the MTHA office at 410-902-6842 for help.
