Apply For Pension
Apply For Pension
Online Services registration
Registering for Online Services is a pre-requisite for all members who apply for pension.
Online Services gives you many benefits. As an active member, you can view your benefits statements, update your beneficiary designation, watch digital presentations such as Preparing for Your Retirement, try the pension estimator and apply for your pension online. As a retired member, you will be able to view your pension payments and other important correspondence from TRAF.
Registering for Online Services is simple, safe and secure and allows you to access your personal information anytime. If you haven’t already, register today for Online Services.
Pension application deadlines
Generally, you should apply for pension three months before you want to receive your first payment. An application may be submitted up to 12 months in advance. There is no need to wait until you have notified your school division of your intent as TRAF does not share information with other parties. It is best that you notify us of your intent well in advance of notifying your school division.
Important deadline information for members retiring in June:
- You are eligible to begin receiving your pension in July if you are at least age 55 on June 30.
- Completed applications received by TRAF by June 15 will be processed for payment in July.
- Due to the larger volume of retirements at the end of each school year, applications received by TRAF between June 16 and July 31 will be processed for payment in August, retroactive to July.
- Completed applications received by TRAF after July 31 will not be paid retroactively and will be effective the month in which the application is received.
A late application will result in lost income since pensions are not paid retroactively.
Required documents
Register for or log in to Online Services to share the following documents with TRAF through our secure online platform. You can review this guide for step-by-step instructions on how to upload your files.
- Pension Application
Before you make your decision, make sure you understand how each plan option works including how your pension is impacted on your death or your partner’s death, if applicable.
Submit your application and the required documents to TRAF at least three months prior to the date you want your pension to start, and up to 12 months in advance, except for Form 5A – Waiver of 60% Joint Survivor Pension, if applicable, which must be submitted within 60 days prior to your pension effective date.
Registering for Online Services is a pre-requisite for all members who apply for pension. Once registered, you can choose to apply for your pension online. Alternatively, you can contact our office for a paper copy of the Pension Application. - Proof of age
We require a copy of your birth certificate, valid Canadian passport, baptismal certificate or citizenship papers. If choosing Plans C – G, we also require proof of age for your partner.
Until further notice, original and certified copies are not required. However, TRAF reserves the right to request original or certified copies. - Authorization and waiver
If you are married or common-law and you select a plan option other than Plan D – 2/3 to Last Survivor, or if you wish to integrate your TRAF pension with CPP and/or OAS, your partner will need to complete the Spouse/Common-law Partner section of the Pension Application.
In addition, The Pension Benefits Act requires a minimum pension of 60% be paid to a spouse/common-law partner on the member’s death. If you select a plan option that provides less than 60% to your partner (ie. Plan A, B, E, F or H, if applicable), your partner must waive the minimum requirement by completing and submitting to TRAF Form 5A – Waiver of 60% Joint Survivor Pension, within 60 days prior to your pension effective date. TRAF will provide this form directly to your partner by mail at that time.
If the required waiver is not completed and submitted within the prescribed time limit, your pension will default to Plan D – 2/3 to Last Survivor without integration.
Your partner may revoke the authorization and waiver at any time before your pension commences by providing written notice to our office. - Consent for integration
If you are married or common-law and you wish to integrate your pension with CPP and/or OAS, in addition to completing the waiver included on the Pension Application, The Pension Benefits Act requires that your partner provide consent by completing Form 5B – Consent for Integrated Pension. - Banking information
A void cheque or a letter from your Canadian bank or credit union is required to deposit your TRAF pension directly into your account. - TD1 federal and provincial personal tax credit forms
These forms will be sent to you along with your pension application package.
Once we have determined your documents are in order, you will receive confirmation outlining the details of your pension including the effective date, plan option and first payment date.
If you are married or common-law and you select a plan option that provides less than the minimum 60% pension for your partner, TRAF will provide your partner with the applicable waiver within 60 days of your pension effective date.
Your application is not valid until all required documents are submitted to TRAF. An incomplete application may delay processing so it is important that you provide all the information required. If we receive an incomplete application, we will contact you.
Changes to your application can only be made before you receive your first pension payment.
Optional deductions
Depending on the benefits you select at retirement, the deductions below may be taken off your gross pension amount.
- Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) fees
- Johnson provides various insurance plans if you are a member of RTAM
Although TRAF accepts deductions for these organizations that are external to TRAF, we do not administer the benefits they provide. Therefore, it is essential that you contact each organization directly if you have any questions regarding their benefits.
Some healthcare providers require you to submit the application directly to them. If you are considering extended health coverage, review your options, determine your application deadlines and contact them directly.
| Organization | Phone | Toll-free |
|---|---|---|
| RTAM | 204-889-3660 | 1-888-393-8082 |
| Johnson (RTAM members only) | – | 1-877-989-2600 |
Correspondence
During the first month, you will receive correspondence explaining:
- Your gross pension amount as well as your deductions
- Adjustments required to the first pension payment for any shortage or overpayment in required contributions, if applicable
- Healthcare coverage premiums including any adjustments to collect a premium in advance of the following prepaid month, if necessary
- The calculation of your final pension includes a test to ensure that your contributions with interest do not exceed 50% of the value of your pension. If you have excess contributions, you will be notified and given options for the refund.
Welcome to Retirement outlines what you need to know about your TRAF pension throughout your retirement.
