If you are considering retirement, there are a number of things to think about as your retirement date approaches. The following are suggested timeframes to ensure you receive all relevant information and meet all of the Civil Service Superannuation Board deadlines for forms submissions.

Prior to your retirement date, you must notify your employer of your intention to retire. The CSSB works closely with the employers who participate in the pension plan. However, until your retirement date has passed, your employer will not notify us of your retirement, and we won’t discuss your retirement plans with your employer.

Within Two Years of Retirement

• If you aren’t already registered for CSSB Online Services, sign up! Once registered as an employee, your access will continue as a pensioner.
• Use the Pension Estimate function in the Online Services to begin seeing and understanding what options are available to you.
• If you have periods of employment that aren’t included as pensionable service, you may want to investigate your option to purchase all or some of the service.
• If you have any questions about your CSSB pension, contact a CSSB Member Services Specialist.
• Attend a CSSB PreRetirement Seminar or view one online.
• Contact your Human Resources/Payroll department to discuss vacation banking.
• Contact a financial planner if you require assistance with your decisions.

Within 18 Months of Retirement

• Research the retiree health insurance plans to determine which is best for you and your family. If you participate in the group life insurance plan, you can view a retirement insurance estimate when you run a pension estimate. Evaluate your life insurance needs in comparison to your current employee coverage and consider any conversion rights. Your employer can confirm your employee group insurance coverage and your beneficiary designation.
• Review your estate plan and make sure your will, trust, and powers of attorney are up to date.

Within One Year of Retirement

• Use the Pension Estimate function in the Online Services.
• If you have any questions about your CSSB pension, contact a CSSB Member Services Specialist.
• Gather any proofs of age and supporting documents needed to apply for your CSSB pension. We must have all necessary proofs of age before any benefits can be paid. These documents can be submitted by fax or through the Send CSSB A Document function in your Online Services account. Do not mail original documents to the CSSB, because they will not be returned.
• Contact your Human Resources/Payroll department for information on employer benefits such as severance pay, vacation accruals and cash outs, etc.
• Contact Service Canada for information on your Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits.

Within Six Months of Retirement

• Carefully review the pension payment options. Decide which fits your needs and those of your family. Remember, you can’t change the option or your survivor pension beneficiary after your retirement date.
• Review the health insurance plans offered and decide on a plan. Ensure that your post-retirement coverage will start when your employment ends.
• Notify your Human Resource/Payroll office of your intention to retire.
• Complete and submit your CSSB Retirement Forms before your retirement date. Suggested reading: Applying for a Retirement Pension.

Within Two Months of Retirement

• If required, complete and submit The Pension Benefits Act Spousal Waiver Form 5A to the CSSB.
• Contact Canada Life if you wish to convert your group life insurance or dependents insurance.

Once You’re Retired

• Suggested reading: What to expect after you apply for your pension
• The CSSB will provide you with documentation when your final employment information from your employer has been received, verified and finalized with the CSSB. This may take several months after your retirement date.
• Watch for your pension payments on the 2nd last business day of each month.
• Watch for email notifications from the CSSB when your monthly statement, T4A, and pensioner newsletter are available.
• Keep us updated with your current street address, phone number, and email address. This can be done through the Edit My Profile function in your Online Services account or by phone, mail or email.

Important note: If mail is returned from the last known address of the pension recipient, the CSSB will make reasonable attempts to contact the recipient and update the information. Upon the discretion of the CSSB, further pension payments may cease until contact is made with the pension recipient.