Members - New to the Plan

What you need to know

• your employer handles your enrolment in the Plan
• enrolment is mandatory for permanent employees
• membership in the Plan ends only if you leave your job
• contributions to the Plan are deducted from your bi-weekly pay
• you have the option to buy back past service and/or transfer pension service from another pension plan
• we provide a pension statement every year, by June 30th which lists your pension service, possible retirement dates, your contributions, beneficiaries plus other information
• we assign you a unique OPTrust ID number that identifies you in our system
• we work to handle your service request in a timely manner – see our Service Delivery Standards.

Important next steps

• apply to buy back past service or transfer in pension service from another plan asap - deadlines apply
• send OPTrust a copy of:
  • proof of marriage or common-law relationship (if applicable)
  • copy of spouse’s proof of birth
  • beneficiary information
  • for more information:
    • Statement of Marital Status
    • How to Prove Your Spousal Relationship
• register for Online Services when you receive your OPTrust ID to see your personal file (OPTrust ID will be sent either by e-mail or regular mail) and update your beneficiaries

When to contact us

• If you require assistance in registering for Online Services
• Change your address online
• Add and change your beneficiaries online
• Change your marital status online
• Call us or send us a Secure Message online for buying back pension service for a leave of absence

Forms you need to complete

• Member Enrolment (OPTrust 1005) form – must include Employer’s signature

Additional forms to complete, if applicable

• RRSP Direct Transfer (T2033) form (if using RRSP funds to pay for a buy back)
• Application for Past Service (OPTrust 1036) form (if you want to transfer in service)
• Statement of Marital Status (OPTrust 3007) form

Background material for more information

• Frequently asked questions
• Buying Back Pension Service (video)
• Common-law relationships and your pension (video)
• Transferring your OPTrust pension service to another pension plan (video)
• What my pension means to me (video)
• What causes a shortfall? (video)
• Quick Facts About Your Pension (fact sheet)
• Open Option Buyback (fact sheet)
• Planning for Loved Ones (video)
• Survivor benefits before retirement (fact sheet)
• Survivor benefits after retirement (fact sheet)
• How to prove your spousal relationship (fact sheet)
• Transferring Your Pension to OPTrust (fact sheet)
• It’s Your Pension – Guide to the OPSEU Pension Plan (booklet)
• OPTions (member newsletter)