Film Accounting Glossary
Pension and health
What is pension and health?
Also called P&H, or pension health and welfare.
Pension and health (P&H) is the combined employer contribution to a union's retirement and medical plans, calculated per the applicable agreement as a percentage of wages, a per-hour amount, or both.
It is usually the largest single component of a union fringe rate and it continues to accrue on overtime hours. Contributions are reported and audited by the plans themselves, independently of any production or studio audit.
Example
P&H can be a percentage of wages, a fixed amount per hour, or both, depending on the agreement. Because it continues to accrue on overtime hours, a crew of 90 working long days generates far more contribution than a headcount-times-rate estimate suggests.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Remitted with payroll, then audited by the plans themselves after wrap, independently of any studio or production audit.
Common mistake
Estimating it on headcount and base rates. It accrues on overtime hours too, so long days on a large crew generate far more than a simple estimate suggests.
Related questions
- How is pension and health calculated on a film?
- As a percentage of wages, a fixed amount per hour, or both, depending on the applicable union agreement's contribution schedule.
- Who audits pension and health contributions?
- The benefit plans themselves, after wrap and independently of any studio or production audit, which is why hours reporting accuracy matters so much.