Frequently Asked Questions

You should apply at least 2 months before your intended retirement date. Pension payments do not begin automatically, and payments are not made retroactively.

If you miss your intended retirement date, you will need to select a new start date. Pension payments cannot be made retroactively. Please contact the Plan Office for assistance.

Your pension is based on the total contributions made on your behalf by employers, plus any self-contributions you make.

Currently, your pension grows at approximately 1% of employer contributions as a monthly pension at age 65.

Yes. You may be eligible to make voluntary (self) contributions to increase your pension, depending on your hours worked in a Plan Year.

The additional pension provided is based on age-banded rates, meaning the amount of pension credited per dollar contributed varies based on your age.

For full details, refer to the Pension Plan Booklet (see Contributions section).

• Normal retirement age: 65
• Early retirement: as early as age 55 (with a reduction)

• If you have a spouse, they may receive a lifetime pension or a lump sum (if eligible)
• If you do not have a spouse, your beneficiary (or estate) will receive a lump sum payment

If you stop working in covered employment, your pension remains in the Plan.

If you work fewer than 350 hours over two consecutive Plan Years, you may be eligible to transfer the value of your pension to another retirement arrangement (if applicable).

In most cases, pension funds must be used to provide retirement income.
However, a lump sum may be available if:

• You leave the Plan before age 55 (subject to rules), or ‍
• Your pension qualifies as a small benefit under legislation

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You must submit a written request to the Plan Office with your updated banking details.

For security reasons, changes cannot be made over the phone.

Your pension may be divided between you and your former spouse in accordance with applicable family law.

Please contact the Plan Office for more information on the process.

Once your pension has started, or after the year you turn 71, you cannot earn additional pension benefits.

Your employer is still required to make contributions. However, these contributions are not credited to your pension.

To comply with current legislation, these contributions are transferred to the Health Benefits Plan, where they help support the overall benefits provided to members.

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Coverage begins once 200 hours have been reported within a 10-month period, starting on the first day of the following month.

The Plan uses an hour bank system:

• Hours worked are credited to your hour bank
• 100 hours per month are deducted to maintain coverage
• You can build up a reserve of hours to help maintain coverage during slower periods

The Plan uses an hour bank lag system, meaning the hours you work are applied to your coverage about two months later.

Because of this timing, shortage notices may be issued before your most recent hours have been reported. This does not necessarily mean your coverage will lapse.

[Learn more about how the hour bank timing works → ]

If your hour bank falls below the required level:

• You may continue coverage through self-payment
• A notice will be sent with payment details and deadlines

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No. You must complete an enrolment form to add your spouse or dependents.

The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides confidential counselling and support services for members and their families, including mental health, financial, and personal support.

[Contact EFAP → ]

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Driver’s Medical Exam claims must be submitted manually and cannot be submitted online.

To claim reimbursement for a Driver’s Medical Exam:

• Complete Pacific Blue Cross’ Standard Health Claim Form and clearly note “Employment-Related Exam” on the form.
• Attach a receipt identifying the service as a driver’s medical exam.
• Keep copies of all documents submitted for your records or follow up.
• Mail or deliver the completed claim form and receipt to Pacific Blue Cross using the mailing or physical address shown on the claim form, as applicable.