2019/20 Maryland Backstretch Pension Virtual Signup Step-By-Step Process 

 
 
 

Virtual sign-ups for the Maryland Backstretch Pension Plan are necessary this year because of ongoing physical-distancing requirements issued by state government officials because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Anyone employed in the care of horses on the backstretch, including trainers, are eligible to participate. However, the employee must have worked a minimum of 1,000 hours during the specified year, and provide documentation to that effect (with a W-2 or 1099 form, or tax return). 

Benefits become available when the employee reaches the age of 65, or at age 55 with 25 years of service. To learn more about the program including qualifications click here.

The MTHA Board of Directors earlier this year continued to affirm its support for the Backstretch Pension Program when it approved an increase in pension funding to $900,000 from $750,000.

Eligible participants should follow these steps to enroll in the program:

 
 

Step #1
Fully complete the registration form by clicking this link: 

 
 
 
Pension Registration Form
 
 
 

If you need assistance filling out this form in English or Español, call Diana Pinones at 410-902-6844, Bobby Lillis at (410) 340-8986 or Jessica Hammond at (301) 776-0404.

Step #2
You must submit a W2, 1099 or tax return documenting the earnings you reported on the registration form. You may do this in the following ways:

Option A
Email a PDF or a photo of the tax documents to info@mdhorsemen.com.

Option B
Text a photo of the tax documents to (443) 805-1995.

Option C
Drop a copy of the text documents in one of the secure dropboxes labeled Pension Dropoff at the Stable Gates at Laurel Park and Pimlico.

Option D
Call the MTHA office at 410-902-6844 to arrange drop-off of documents.

Please note, you are not enrolled in the program until you receive confirmation of your successful registration. At this time you will also receive a current statement if you have been enrolled in the plan for at least two consecutive years.


 
   
  
 
  
 
 
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