The Building Blocks of Your OMERS Pension

Your OMERS pension is more than what you may think. In addition to a lifetime pension, there is a bridge benefit that increases your OMERS pension until you would normally begin to receive your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) pension at age 65. Here, we dissect your OMERS pension to better explain how it benefits you and your survivors.

The Building Blocks of Your OMERS Pension

Your OMERS pension has two components:

  • a lifetime pension, plus
  • a bridge benefit if you retire before age 65.
OMERS Lifetime Pension OMERS Bridge Benefit
All members are entitled to receive an OMERS lifetime pension that includes inflation protection and excellent survivor benefits. If your lifetime pension starts before age 65, you are entitled to the OMERS bridge benefit. This temporary benefit helps “bridge” your OMERS pension until age 65, when your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is expected to begin. Your bridge benefit:
  • is paid until you reach age 65, even if you receive your CPP pension from age 60;
  • will not be the same amount as your CPP pension.

OMERS Pension Formula

The formula used to calculate your OMERS lifetime pension plus bridge benefit to age 65. Lean more in the Member Handbook.

Survivor Benefits

Along with your pension, OMERS provides excellent survivor benefits, including benefits for your eligible spouse and children.

Procedure in the Event of Your Death

Designate someone to contact OMERS Client Services immediately in the event of your death, or write to us. We'll need to know:

  • your name;
  • your OMERS reference number or social insurance number;
  • your former employer's name;
  • your date of death;
  • whether you have a surviving spouse or eligible children; and
  • the name and phone number of someone we can contact for more information.
There is no substitute for having your affairs in order. Let your survivors know where your important papers and documents are to save them additional stress if something happens to you.