Case Studies
Case Study 1: Andrew
Water Distribution Operator, 30 years old, works 2 days a week, earns $30 per hour "Even though retirement is a long way away, I’m going to join OMERS. My OMERS contributions will automatically come off my pay, and when I retire, I’ll get a pension for as long as I live."
See the OMERS difference
The OMERS difference
Andrew's weekly pension contributions (employer matches contributions)
$41
Estimated annual OMERS pension if Andrew retires at age 60
$28,800
Total estimated pension payments if Andrew lives until age 86
$717,000
If Andrew waited and joined two years later at age 32
Estimated annual OMERS pension if Andrew retires at age 60
$1,900 less
Total estimated pension payments if Andrew lives until age 86
$51,000 less
The example is for illustrative purposes only. The example assumes that the member meets the minimum eligibility criteria (based on earnings/hours worked) to join OMERS; the number of hours worked each year and the OMERS contribution rates do not change; the member receives a 2.7% annual salary increase; and there is a 2.0% annual inflation increase to the pension in payment.
Case Study 2: Priya
Paramedic, 40 years old, works 20 hours a week, earns $40 per hour “I’ve been married for five years and have two young boys. I joined OMERS because saving for my future is important to me and my family.”
See the OMERS difference
The OMERS difference
Priya's weekly pension contributions (employer matches contributions)
$72
Estimated annual OMERS pension if Priya retires at age 65
$28,700
Total estimated pension payments if Priya lives until age 90
$920,000
If Priya waited and joined two years later at age 42
Estimated annual OMERS pension if Priya retires at age 65
$2,400 less
Total estimated pension payments if Priya lives until age 90
$77,000 less
The example is for illustrative purposes only. The example assumes that the member meets the minimum eligibility criteria (based on earnings/hours worked) to join OMERS; the number of hours worked each year and the OMERS contribution rates do not change; the member receives a 2.7% annual salary increase; and there is a 2.0% annual inflation increase to the pension in payment.
Case Study 3: Lynn
Education Assistant, 45 years old, works 2 days a week, earns $23 per hour. “I joined OMERS because I know OMERS will be there for me in my retirement.”
See the OMERS difference
The OMERS difference
Lynn's weekly pension contributions (employer matches contributions)
$31
Estimated annual OMERS pension if Lynn retires at age 65
$7,500
Total estimated pension payments if Lynn lives until age 90
$240,000
If Lynn waited and joined two years later at age 47
Estimated annual OMERS pension if Lynn retires at age 65
$750 less
Total estimated pension payments if Lynn lives until age 90
$24,000 less
The example is for illustrative purposes only. The example assumes that the member meets the minimum eligibility criteria (based on earnings/hours worked) to join OMERS; the number of hours worked each year and the OMERS contribution rates do not change; the member receives a 2.7% annual salary increase; and there is a 2.0% annual inflation increase to the pension in payment.