Introduction to retirement

Learn about the factors affecting the amount of your lifetime monthly pension from the plan.

There are many things to consider when planning your retirement, from when to retire to which pension option is best for you and your family.

Learning about your options will help you make these important decisions. Talking with an independent financial advisor can also help you determine your financial needs in retirement and identify other potential sources of retirement income. These can include your own personal savings, as well as Canada Pension Plan and old age security benefits.

When you can start your pension

For regular members of BC’s Public Service Pension Plan, the normal retirement age is 65 and the earliest retirement age is 55.

For correctional officers, probation officers and youth probation officers, the normal retirement age is 60 and earliest retirement age is 50.

For ambulance paramedics the normal retirement age is 65 but for certain ambulance paramedics the earliest retirement age is 50.

Your pension may be reduced if you retire before your normal retirement age and do not meet the criteria for an unreduced pension.

If you are working for another employer in the same plan you must terminate all employment under the Public Service Pension Plan in order to start receiving your pension.

As required by the Income Tax Act, you must begin receiving your pension no later than the end of the year in which you turn 71, even if you are still working.

A monthly pension for your lifetime

You will receive a lifetime monthly pension when you retire. This is the amount of money the plan pays you every month for the rest of your life.

The amount of your monthly pension payment is based on a formula that includes your years of pensionable service and the average of your five highest years of salary. The amount is also determined by the pension option you choose at retirement.

Choosing a pension option

One of the most important decisions you will make when applying for your pension is choosing your pension option. Your choice will determine the amount paid to you each month and to your spouse or beneficiaries after your death.

For example, one of your pension options may include a guarantee period, such as a single life guaranteed 15-year option. This means that if you die within 15 years of starting your pension, your spouse or beneficiary will receive a pension for the remainder of the guarantee period. If you choose a 100 per cent joint life option, your spouse will receive a pension for their lifetime. These pension options reduce the amount of your monthly pension payments to reflect the likelihood that your pension will be paid for a longer period.

No matter which pension option you choose, you will receive a lifetime monthly pension payment.