For your information

How the OMERS bridge benefit works

If you are under the age of 65 and your pension has started or will start before you turn 65, you may be entitled to the OMERS Plan bridge benefit.

What is a bridge benefit? It’s a temporary benefit that helps “bridge” your OMERS pension until age 65, when your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits are expected to begin. Even if you start your CPP pension before you turn 65, you will continue to receive your bridge benefit until you turn 65.

How we calculate your bridge benefit

0.675% x credited service (years) x lesser of “best five” earnings or $59,700*

*This is the current five-year average (2018-2022) of CPP earnings limit.

If you are receiving your bridge benefit, just before you turn 65, OMERS will notify you detailing the change to your pension. The month after you turn 65, your bridge benefit will end and will be taken off your pension payment.

While the purpose of your bridge benefit is to help supplement your lifetime pension until age 65, there is no link between a CPP pension and OMERS bridge benefit. Your CPP pension is based on how long you have worked and contributed to CPP, and the OMERS bridge benefit is based on your credited service in OMERS. The two amounts are not linked and may be quite different.

The OMERS Plan bridge benefit is not included in a survivor pension or children’s pension.

See our About Your OMERS Pension page for more information or call our Member Experience team to speak to a representative.

Get answers to your pension questions

Your OMERS defined benefit pension can be one of your greatest assets, and it’s never too early or too late to start learning more about your pension. Our Pension Education & Relationship Management team is here to help with webinars that will allow you to ask any questions you may have as you prepare for this important journey. Click the links below to register for an upcoming session. Secure your spot now because space is limited!