The employee contribution rates and benefit entitlements of the PSSA are integrated with the Canada/Québec Pension Plans (C/QPP).
Pensions
September 19, 2013
Basic superannuation benefit entitlements are increased each January to compensate for increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
As illustrated in Table 2, the indexation adjustments since 1970, when the SRBA first came into force, have served to protect the value of superannuation benefit payments against inflation.
Indexation starts on the first of January of the year after someone retires.The first indexation adjustment is prorated to the number of full months of the previous year after the person retired.
September 19, 2013
Treasury Board policy says all leaves without pay due to injury, illness or disability have to be 'resolved' within two years. The employer policy does allow for leaves to be extended in exceptional circumstances. But at two years, the employer notifies the employee that their leave without pay will end
July 16, 2013
The PSSA also lays out what happens to your pension if you are laid off under the work force adjustment appendices of your collective agreement.
Treasury board can waive the reduction factor for employees at least 55 years old who have been employed in the Federal Public Service for at least 10 years and who are not otherwise entitled to an immediate annuity.
In practice, departmental deputy heads and other designated officers are responsible granting waivers.
July 15, 2013
In the event of a divorce/separation or a permanent conclusion to a relationship of a conjugal nature, the superannuation benefit entitlements accrued by a PSSA participant during the course of a marriage or period of cohabitation in a relationship of a conjugal nature may be divided in accordance with the provisions of the Pension Benefits Division Act (PBDA).
July 15, 2013
In the event of the death of a PSSA contributor, the survivor and children become entitled to an immediate allowance.
Definition of « Survivor »
The PSSA defines survivor as:
July 15, 2013
35 Years Pensionable Service
Employees cannot accumulate more than 35 years of pensionable service.
After 35 years of pensionable service, the employee's contribution rate drops to 1% of pensionable earnings. Her or his salary is still included in the calculation of the 5 consecutive years of highest average earnings to determine the superannuation benefit entitlement.
Age 71
Employees cease contributions and accumulation of pensionable service starting January 1st of the year following their 71st birthday.
July 15, 2013
A
B
C
D
Reason for termination
Age
Pensionable service
Entitlement service options
Any reason
Any age
Less than 2 years
Return of contributions with interest
Retirement
60 or over
At least 2 years
Immediate annuity
Retirement
55 or over
At least 30 years
July 15, 2013
Pension benefits of PSAC members employed in the federal public service are governed by the provisions of the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA). (See: Does the PSSA apply to me?)
Treasury Board is minstry responsible for managing the PSSA. The president of Treasury Board has overall responsiblity for managing the pension funds with input from the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee. PSAC has two representatives on the committee.
July 15, 2013
Current employees should contact their pay and benefits specialist first. Pension and benefits specialists have access to personal information and knowledge of pension regulations. They are responsible for helping individual empolyees on pension-related issues.
If you are a retiree or if you have more complicated questions such as martial divisions and pension transfers, they may refer you to the Superannuation, Pension Transition and Client Services Sector of PWGSC here: