• whether you are likely to return to employment in the future with an employer that participates in the OPSEU Pension Plan
• the importance of health, dental and life insurance benefits when you retire
• your level of interest and/or skill in managing your own investments
• the need for inflation protection.

Depending on your circumstances, the security of a deferred OPTrust pension – with its guaranteed lifetime retirement income, inflation protection, survivor benefits and access to insured benefits (for those who qualify) – may be the best choice for you. For others who are comfortable taking individual responsibility for managing their own retirement investments – and assuming the investment risk – taking a commuted value transfer may be a more attractive option.

If there are several options available, you may want to get independent financial advice to determine which choice is best for you.