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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 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, including trainers, may be eligible to participate. To qualify, individuals must work at least 1,000 hours during the applicable year and provide documentation of employment, such as a W-2, 1099, or tax return. Enrollment is conducted each spring through the MTHA’s online registration portal, and participants must register annually to receive credit for the previous year. Benefits become available at age 65, or at age 55 with at least 25 years of qualifying service.
In recent years, the MTHA Board of Directors has approved annual contributions of $1 million to strengthen the pension fund and support the retirement security of Maryland’s backstretch workforce. The plan is administered in partnership with John Hancock, which provides participants with online and mobile access to monitor account balances and manage investments. For questions regarding your pension account, please contact Alison Bach at Pollard & Associates at 443-689-2549.
Anyone employed in the care of horses on the backstretch, including trainers, may be eligible to participate. To qualify, individuals must work at least 1,000 hours during the applicable year and provide documentation of employment, such as a W-2, 1099, or tax return. Enrollment is conducted each spring through the MTHA’s online registration portal, and participants must register annually to receive credit for the previous year. Benefits become available at age 65, or at age 55 with at least 25 years of qualifying service.
In recent years, the MTHA Board of Directors has approved annual contributions of $1 million to strengthen the pension fund and support the retirement security of Maryland’s backstretch workforce. The plan is administered in partnership with John Hancock, which provides participants with online and mobile access to monitor account balances and manage investments. For questions regarding your pension account, please contact Alison Bach at Pollard & Associates at 443-689-2549.
register your account 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.
Here’s how:
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.
Here’s how:
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.
