Submit a package to apply for your pension

If you are unable to use the online retirement application on the Dashboard of My Account, you may contact the plan to send you a retirement application package.

1. Within 90 days of your pension effective date, request a retirement application package and pension estimate from BC's College Pension Plan
2. Inform your employer(s) that you are applying for your pension

How to fill out the retirement application package

Take time to read through the package when you receive it. The forms have detailed instructions and additional information to help you through the application process.

Note: incomplete forms may delay your first pension payment

Required forms:

• Pension application form
• Pension option selection form
  • At the end of your Pension estimate, choose your pension option
• Application for extended health care and voluntary dental benefits (Green Shield Canada)
  • Complete this form to apply for or waive retired member health and dental care coverage for you and any dependants
  • If you are choosing to waive your retired member health and/or dental care coverage please mark this at the top of the form
  • Remember to clarify with your employer when your extended health care and dental coverage ends
• Retirement declaration
• Spousal declaration form
  • You must fill out all of the sections, whether you are single, common-law or married

If applicable, you must also submit these forms:

• Nomination of beneficiary (at retirement) form
  • This form is only necessary if one of the following applies:
    • you have a spouse and have chosen a joint life pension that is not 100% guaranteed (your spouse is automatically your primary beneficiary)
    • you have a spouse who has waived their right to your pension and you have chosen a single life pension with a guarantee
    • you do not have a spouse, but have chosen a single life pension with a guarantee
  •  You must fill out sections A and B
  • Section C is optional; please read the Beneficiaries and your pension guide to understand whether you need to complete this section
• Form 2 Spouse’s waiver of 60% lifetime survivor’s benefit and/or beneficiary rights from a pension plan or annuity after payments start
  • This form is only necessary if you have a spouse and are choosing a single life pension option or a joint life pension option less than 60 per cent; your spouse must complete it
• Pre-Authorized Debit Application
  • Only complete this form if you are opting into retirement health coverage but your pension is too small to cover the premiums

Fill out all required forms, and any of the additional forms as needed. Include the forms with the supporting documents listed below and using the secure Message Centre in My Account, submit the package back to the pension plan at least one month before your pension effective date. We’ll contact you if we have any questions or need more information.

If you are working for multiple employers in the same plan you must terminate all employment under the College Pension Plan in order to start receiving your pension.

You can expect your first pension payment to arrive on the last day of the month your pension is effective. However, we require your final service and salary information to calculate your actual pension amount. Your employer is responsible for sending this to us after your last day on payroll. We will process your pension within 14 days of receiving this information.

You are eligible to apply for your pension online if:

• you are an active or inactive member, and
• you have reached the earliest retirement age of 55

If you are a limited member, you need to apply for your pension by submitting a retirement application package.