INTRODUCTION: This website was created to provide a communication network among Delta Pilots Disability and Survivorship Plan (D&S Plan) participants and their and future beneficiaries, which include:
Normally Retired and Early Retired Delta pilots and their eligible family members
Long Term Disabled(LTD) pilots and their eligible family members
Surviving spouses of deceased Delta pilots
The website contains volumes of information about the D&S Plan. Navigate to the various pages of the website by clicking on the colored buttons that typically are located near the top of each page. In some cases articles linked to the button will show up as a file on your screen that must be clicked upon in order to view the article. Font sizes and spacing are intentionally enlarged to allow for easy reading.
MISSION: In 2006, during the period of Delta's bankruptcy, Delta Disabled Pilots Association was founded to protect the D&S Plan against changes that would negatively impact the benefits of disabled pilots and their eligible survivors. In 2008, the mission was expanded to also include current and future survivors of normally and early retired Delta Pilots, most of whom are eligible for substantial benefits under the D&S Plan. We currently are doing business as the Delta Disabled Pilots and Survivors Association (DDPSA). The association has IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, is run by dedicated volunteers, and does not have any paid employees.
FOCUS: DDPSA is the only organization that has primary focus on the
D&S Plan
D&S Trust
Although the organization initially concentrated on disabled pilots, the focus of DDPSA has shifted towards survivors as the number of survivors receiving benefits under the D&S Plan continued to increase. As of June 30, 2019, there were a total of 4,858 retired Delta pilots and survivors of deceased Delta pilots eligible for benefits under the D&S Plan. The Board of Directors of DDPSA currently has two non-disabled members including a retired pilot and a survivor of a deceased Delta pilot.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: DDPSA has been involved in a number of D&S Plan issues and we are confident that our involvement has influenced favorable outcomes.
Delta bankruptcy proceedings were weathered without changes to the D&S Plan benefits for existing survivors, for eligible survivors of pilots who retired before January 1, 2008 and for disabled pilots who were removed from the Delta pilot seniority list on or before June 1, 2006.
DDPSA expressed our concern about the $60 million annual expenditure from the D&S Trust to pay for pilot sick leave. Subsequently, ALPA was successful in negotiating the end of that expenditure.
DDPSA won an appeal that required the correction of an improper Social Security offset that had been applied to Long Term Disability benefits. To view a letter confirming the correction, click here.
DDPSA discovered that a variable increase was improperly being applied to the offset to LTD benefits for pilots who had elected a lump sum distribution from the retirement plan. After DDPSA contacted ALPA and provided documentation of the problem, Delta corrected the error.
DDPSA's communications with ALPA resulted in elimination of a provision in the D&S Plan that restricted certain survivors from marrying if they wanted to continue receiving survivor benefits.
- DDPSA has helped a number of survivors who experienced difficulty in receiving the D&S Plan benefits to which they are entitled.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS:
The latest D&S Plan financial statement (Form 5500) for the period ending on June 30, 2022, indicates that the value of the assets of the D&S Trust have declined to approximately $201 million. The total benefit obligations of the D&S Plan are estimated to be greater than $1.95 billion. In 2007, the assets of the D&S Plan exceeded $1.7 billion and were more than sufficient to pay for all of the plan benefit obligations. For a graphic view of the decline in D&S Plan assets click here.
CORPORATE COUNSEL: DDPSA’s corporate counsel is Teresa Renaker, a partner with the firm of Renaker Hasselman. She has an extensive background in ERISA regulations.
The information on this website has been compiled from a number of public and private sources. In some cases the information is based upon opinions of the authors. Although the information is believed to be accurate, no warranties on its accuracy are made or implied. Individuals reading this information should complete their own research to determine the accuracy of the information rather than relying solely on the information contained herein.
Copyright DDPSA 2013. All rights reserved. Privacy policy.
HOME PAGE
DELTA DISABLED PILOTS
and
SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION
(DDPSA)
Please click on the colored buttons to access other pages or information.