Purchasing a Leave Period

When you return from a leave period, you may be able to purchase the period to add to your OMERS credited service. Your employer will provide you with your options and calculate the cost for you.

The decision to purchase a leave period is up to you. Weigh the cost of the purchase against how much it will increase your OMERS Plan pension. If you prefer, talk to a professional financial adviser. For an estimate of what your pension will be – with or without purchasing the leave period – please contact Client Services. 

Cost and Payment

The cost of purchasing a leave period is based on the contributions you and your employer would have been paying during the period.

For some types of leave periods, your cost is single contributions (matched by your employer). For example:

• pregnancy/parental leave;
• emergency, family medical, and organ donor leave periods; and
• reservist leave period of postponement.

If you choose not to purchase this type of leave, the period will still count as OMERS eligible service, and would be used to calculate the early retirement adjustment.

For other types of leave periods, your cost is double contributions (your share plus your employer's share). For example:

• authorized leave of absence;
• legal strike or lockout; and
• self-funded leave.

If you choose not to purchase this type of leave, the period will not count as OMERS eligible service.

Leave Period Purchase Deadline

Your deadline for purchasing a leave period is December 31 of the year following the year in which your leave ended. After the deadline, you can purchase the leave period as a service buy-back but the cost calculation is quite different, usually more expensive.

Checklist for a Leave Period

• Your employer should be aware of the leave period and prepare the forms for the purchase. The process of purchasing a leave period takes place between you and your employer.
• Please contact OMERS Client Services if you have questions about purchasing a leave period.