Periods of reduced pay

Find out how to buy service if you worked less than your full assignment for a period of time.

If you worked less than your full assignment for a period of time, you may be able to buy the difference between your normal, full assignment and the amount you actually worked.

Eligibility

To buy service for a period of reduced pay, you must have:

Been employed by your employer for three years before the period of reduced pay
Worked at your full assignment at some point before the period of reduced pay
Continued working for the employer during the period of reduced pay

Note: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has temporarily suspended this “three-year work” requirement. Plan members who have worked for their employer for less than 36 months can now make a purchase of service for a period of reduced pay that occurred in 2020 and/or 2021. This amendment applies only to the 2020 and 2021 calendar years.

If you qualified for a period of reduced pay under the relaxed eligibility requirements during this time but have since terminated employment or retired, you may still be able to purchase service. Contact the plan for more information.

If you normally work less than 100 per cent full time, you can only buy enough service to bring you up to the amount of your normal full assignment.