Review your checklist

Timelines and deadlines

You can apply up to four months before you want to start your pension. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible within that timeframe. Keep in mind, the earliest you can choose to start your pension is the month after your resignation date.

Once we have all the information we need, it’ll take us around two weeks to process your application.

If we can’t process your application on time, we’ll pay retroactively, with interest.

Are you a 10-month employee or is your earliest unreduced pension date in the fall?

If you typically work from September until the end of the school year in June, but your employer spreads your salary payments out over 12 months, consider resigning by June 30 and starting your pension on July 1. Even though your employer is still paying your salary over the summer, you’re not working and accruing credit in the plan. You can start your pension in July, if you meet the requirements. When making this decision, consider the impact on your insurance coverage. Your employer can provide you with those details. 

Similarly, if your earliest unreduced retirement date is in the fall, but you’d like to retire at the end of the school year, use the pension calculator to see the impact if you start your pension in July. In most cases, the pension payments you’ll collect over the summer will outweigh the nominal reduction to your lifetime pension.

1. Upload your documents

Here’s a list of what we need. It’s never too early to sign in to your account, check for alerts for outstanding documents and use the uploader tool in your Document Centre.

2. Give your employer a resignation letter

You can apply for your pension before you resign. We won’t inform your employer of your resignation, unless you’re receiving long-term income protection benefits or currently on a leave or reduced workload.

To ensure you don’t lose pension payments, give your employer a resignation letter before your resignation date. If you state July 1 as the date your pension will start, you must resign before July 1.

The resignation date on your pension application must be the same date you include in your resignation letter.

A resignation is considered valid if:

• Your employer confirms acceptance of your resignation without conditions, before your resignation date
• No arrangement has been made to return to work in education
• You have either received or arrangements have been made to pay any applicable gratuity

3. Have your banking info handy

To set up direct deposit for your pension, have your financial institution’s institution and transit numbers and your bank account number handy when you apply. You can find this information through your online bank account or on a cheque.

4. Update your contact and personal info

Having up-to-date contact and personal information is key when applying for your pension. If your info is out of date or incorrect when you submit your application, it may delay our ability to pay your pension.

Sign in to your account and review your Profile.

Do we have your current personal email and phone number on file? If not, update them today since you likely won’t have access to your work email or phone numbers after you retire.

Have you moved? Has there been a change in your marital status? You should update this info any time there are changes.

Keeping your address, email and phone number up to date ensures you'll always receive updates and info about your pension.

5. Decide on a survivor pension level

The default amount of a spousal survivor pension is 60% of your lifetime retirement pension. However, you may choose a higher or lower amount. You can change your option, but once we make your first pension payment your choice becomes irrevocable. If you have an eligible spouse on file in your account, you can see a breakdown of the different survivor pension levels, including cost. 

If you opt for a survivor pension below 60%, we'll need a waiver signed by you and your spouse within the 12 months before your first pension payment. To revoke the waiver we'll need a written request, signed by both you and your spouse, dated and delivered to us before your first pension payment. 

If you have an eligible spouse when we make your first pension payment, they’ll continue to be entitled to a survivor pension even if you separate or divorce.  Contact us to learn about providing a new spouse with a survivor pension. 

6. Arrange for supplementary medical coverage

While we don’t offer health and dental coverage, some employers extend health coverage to pensioners. If your employer doesn’t, or you want to shop around, there are three independent organizations who also offer this type of coverage:

• ARM Retiree Health Insurance Plan
• RTOERO
• OTIP/RAEO

Contact them directly for details.

7. Apply for your pension

Don’t forget to hit “submit” when you apply for your pension. You can work through the pension application at your own pace, but we won’t start processing it until you hit submit.

We’ll email you to confirm we received your application. This email will contain next steps and links to valuable information.

From your application submission to your first pension payment, you can expect to stay informed by email. You'll receive confirmation when your application is approved and information to help you transition to retirement.

8. Stay in the loop

Get social and keep in touch with us and your colleagues by liking us on Facebook. You’ll be able to connect with your peers and get tips from fellow retirees on adjusting to life after work. Check out our Facebook Terms of Use.