209] 



THE BENEFIT SYSTEM 



7 



occasioned by the 1910 strike), the rate has ranged from 

 five to seven per thousand members. The average rate for 

 the whole period is 6.2. The record of mortality for mem- 

 bers not in good standing and so ineligible for benefits is not 

 kept. Five hundred death claims to the amount of $61,300 

 have been paid by the union, or an average of $4,904 per 

 year, and $123 per claim. Until 191 1 no claims were paid 

 for more than $100. In 1918 a part of the membership will 

 be entitled to the maximum benefit of $500. The average 

 age of deceased members is forty-two years. The essential 

 facts are set forth in the accompanying table. 



Table Showing Mortality Rate from Oct. i, 1903, to Mar. 31, 1916 

 (Fiscal years ending March 31) 



It will be noted that despite the decline in membership 

 the mortality rate has not risen, nor has there been a per- 

 ceptible increase in the average age at death. On the other 

 hand the average benefit paid is increasing rapidly. The 

 net result will be a higher cost. 



The union pays a total disability benefit upon the basis of 

 the death benefit. The amount of the benefit is one-half 



o Wife's death benefit of $50 was deducted from the member's 

 death benefit. 



''Six nutiitlis, October i, 1903, to March 31, 1904. 

 Average. 



