Members Hub
It's your pension: A guide to the OPSEU Pension Plan
Everything you need to know about your Plan can be found right here. Find out more about the advantages of a defined benefit pension plan, view your Plan’s features, learn how to prepare for retirement and more.
View guide
Planning for your loved ones
Understanding your contributions
You contribute approximately 10 per cent of your regular salary to the Plan. You do not make pension contributions on other pay (e.g. overtime pay and shift premiums).
Your pension contributions are tax deductible and reduce your taxable income.
Your employer matches the pension contributions you make.
The Canada Revenue Agency requires your employer to calculate and report a Pension Adjustment on your T4 each year, which reduces your RRSP contribution room in the following year.
How much do you need to retire?
Most financial planners will tell you that you need approximately 60 to 80 per cent of your pre-retirement income to maintain your lifestyle when you retire. Your retirement income will typically include your workplace pension(s), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and your personal savings.
Member news
The new optrust.com – a better experience for members and retirees
Welcome to the new optrust.com! We are so excited to share it with you.
See highlights from our climate change journey
Explore key milestones and ongoing progress in our enhanced climate change strategy.
Keeping our members and retirees up to date
Check out the Winter 2024 issue of OPTions and Pension Connection newsletters for members and retirees of the OPSEU pension plan.
2025 Cost of living adjustment is 2.7%
Every January, OPTrust pensions are adjusted for the increase in the cost of living, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reported by Statistics Canada.
Plan changes for multiple mandatory transfers
The OPSEU Pension Plan (the Plan) was recently amended to restore the amount of pension service certain members will establish in the Plan following two mandatory transfers between the Plan and the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP). For affected members who rejoin the Plan on a mandatory basis on or after January 1, 2024, the amendment restores the amount of pension service they earned during their prior membership in the Plan at no extra cost to them.
Defined benefit pension plans: Supporting Ontario’s economy
Retirees with defined benefit pensions stimulate business growth and job creation in their communities by injecting billions of dollars into the economy every year.
OPSEU/SEFPO retroactive salary awards
Retroactive wage increases have been confirmed affecting various bargaining unit employees including Ontario Public Service Unified, Correctional Services, and LCBO among others.
Thinking about your retirement?
OPTrust's pension information sessions are a great way to learn more about your pension plan directly from an OPTrust representative.
The new optrust.com – a better experience for members and retirees
Welcome to the new optrust.com! We are so excited to share it with you.
See highlights from our climate change journey
Explore key milestones and ongoing progress in our enhanced climate change strategy.
Keeping our members and retirees up to date
Check out the Winter 2024 issue of OPTions and Pension Connection newsletters for members and retirees of the OPSEU pension plan.
2025 Cost of living adjustment is 2.7%
Every January, OPTrust pensions are adjusted for the increase in the cost of living, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reported by Statistics Canada.
Plan changes for multiple mandatory transfers
The OPSEU Pension Plan (the Plan) was recently amended to restore the amount of pension service certain members will establish in the Plan following two mandatory transfers between the Plan and the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP). For affected members who rejoin the Plan on a mandatory basis on or after January 1, 2024, the amendment restores the amount of pension service they earned during their prior membership in the Plan at no extra cost to them.
Defined benefit pension plans: Supporting Ontario’s economy
Retirees with defined benefit pensions stimulate business growth and job creation in their communities by injecting billions of dollars into the economy every year.
OPSEU/SEFPO retroactive salary awards
Retroactive wage increases have been confirmed affecting various bargaining unit employees including Ontario Public Service Unified, Correctional Services, and LCBO among others.
Thinking about your retirement?
OPTrust's pension information sessions are a great way to learn more about your pension plan directly from an OPTrust representative.
Find out how life events could impact your pension
New to the Plan
Permanent staff must join the pension plan. For contract and unclassified staff plan membership is optional.
Taking a leave of absence
Members who are planning a leave of absence or who have recently returned from a leave have the option to buy back pension credit.
Buying back pension service
If you took a leave of absence without pay and didn’t make pension contributions while you are away from work, find out if and how you can buy back service.
Participating in a temporary part-time work arrangement
Members of the OPSEU Pension Plan can earn full pension service if they enter into an arrangement with their employer to temporarily reduce their regular working hours.
Changing your spousal status before retirement
Marital status affects survivor benefits. If your marital status changes, notify OPTrust to ensure your information is up to date.
Leaving your job
If you leave your job before retirement, your membership in the pension plan ends. You have options regarding your pension.
Planning for your loved ones before retirement
Your OPTrust pension provides benefits for your survivors, so it's important that you identify who you want to receive those benefits.
Planning for retirement
Retirement is a major life change. Preparation and planning will help with a smooth transition to this next phase of your life.
"As a member, I appreciate the benefit of accessing my account online. I'm able to easily view my annual pension statements and check what my monthly retirement income will be once I retire."
Suri Bal
Public Affairs and Event Coordinator Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Pensions matter
Check out our pension information sessions and videos
Our pension information sessions are a great way to learn more about your pension.