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General information

What members are eligible for Supplemental Plan benefits?

Members of the police sector, firefighters and paramedics are eligible for some or all of the benefits.

What benefits will be available?

As of July 1, 2008, four supplemental benefits are available:

  • 2.33% accrual rate
  • “Best four” earnings
  • “Best three” earnings
  • Enhanced early retirement factors (80/85 Factor)

These benefits top up benefits available in the Primary Plan.

How many benefits can be provided?

One benefit can be provided by the employer at a time. Once a supplemental benefit is set up, no further supplemental benefits can be provided for the covered class of employees for at least 36 months.

Will a member in the Supplemental Plan continue to earn a pension in the Primary Plan?

Yes. A member of the Supplemental Plan will continue to earn an OMERS pension in the Primary Plan.

How do Supplemental Plan benefits work with the Primary Plan?

Supplemental benefits will top up the pension that a member already earns in OMERS Primary Plan. For the period the member participates in the Supplemental Plan, the supplemental top-up pension equals the difference between the primary and supplemental pensions. For example, all members earn a pension based on a 2% formula in the Primary Plan. A member with the 2.33% supplemental benefit may earn an additional .33% pension for the period of time the member participates in the Supplemental Plan.

Are supplemental benefits available to other members (non-police, non-fire, non-paramedic)?

The benefits will not be available to other OMERS members. The OMERS Act, 2006 requires that a Supplemental Plan is developed to offer optional benefits to members in the police sector, firefighters and paramedics. Providing supplemental benefits to other members would require approval by the Sponsors Corporation, and agreement by employers.

Supplemental Plan benefits are not automatically provided. Employers can set up Supplemental Plan coverage for a class or classes of members in the police sector, firefighters and paramedics.