New pension publications
We’ve updated the content and look of our pension handbooks and our most popular pamphlets. To make sure members have the most recent Plan information possible, our major communication piece – the Member Handbook – has been completely rewritten to reflect the Plan text as of August 2011.
Member Handbooks are in the process of being shipped to you for distribution to your members.
In a separate shipment in the coming weeks, you will also receive copies of our updated Pamphlets, and of our new “Making Choices” booklets.
All of our new and existing member publications are available here.
List of updated publications
August 30
While the Member Handbook provides general information, mainly geared to new hires, the pamphlets provide detail into specific Plan provisions that will be of use to members during different stages of their membership. Three new publications have also been added to our publications list – the “Making Choices” series gives members the opportunity to consider their options when confronted with decisions about their pensions.
For your convenience, here’s a list of the new publications and when to use them.
Updated Handbooks
“Investing in your future”
What it is: An update of the Member Handbook.This version includes the 2012-2014 contribution rates, information on open buybacks and other recent Plan updates. The new Member Handbook is a general overview to be used in conjunction with the detailed pamphlets.
Who it’s for: The Member Handbook is a valuable resource for all new and existing active members, and potential new members who have questions about the Plan.
“A Pension for your life”
What it is: An update of the Pensioner Handbook, this new version describes what members can expect once they’re retired and collecting a pension from the Plan.
Who it’s for: All new retirees receive a Pensioner Handbook directly from the CAAT Plan as part of their retirement package. Members who have questions about their upcoming retirement may be interested as well. You will receive a few copies for your information and to have on hand for any interested members.
Updated pamphlets
“Make an investment in your future”
What it is: An update to the OTRFT pamphlet, this new version can be used in conjunction with the Member Handbook. While OTRFT employees have always had the option of joining the Plan, many wonder if it’s the right choice to make. This pamphlet reviews the benefits of the Plan that make it worthwhile for part time employees to join, focusing on the value of starting retirement savings as soon as possible.
Who it’s for: Give it to OTRFT employees who are eligible (or might soon be eligible) to join the Plan, along with a Member Handbook to outline the benefits of membership.
“Getting more out of your pension”
What is it: Update to the Purchasing service pamphlet. During a career, members may experience several types of breaks in service. This pamphlet outlines all the service types that can be purchased by members, as well as what to consider when making a purchase.
Who it’s for: Use for employees going on or returning from a leave, as well as any member who would like to take advantage of the Plan’s flexible service purchase options.
“Increase your service with a transfer”
What it is: Update to the Transferring Service pamphlet. Many employees in the college system had careers with previous employers. How might a service transfer benefit a member, and what types of transfers are possible? These questions are answered in this publication.
Who it’s for: Give to new employees who might have service with a previous employer’s pension plan, or for long-standing employees who want to take advantage of the Plan’s new transfer options.
“Protecting your loved ones”
What it is: An update to the Pre-retirement Survivor benefits pamphlet, this pamphlet describes benefits available to survivors of members who die before retirement. It includes valuable estate planning information and details about naming beneficiaries in the Plan.
Who it’s for: Give to any member with questions about death benefits for their spouses or children, beneficiary designations or estate planning, if they were to die before retirement.
New “Making Choices" booklets
“Making Choices: Working past age 65”
What it is: Members can work past age 65 and continue to build a pension. This booklet helps members understand how their contributions and the pension they earn change if they stop contributing to CPP after age 65 and their pension options if they return to work after age 65.
Who it’s for: Give to any employees approaching, or past, age 65, to help them in their planning.
“Making Choices: Your retirement date”
What it is: Many members face two key choices at retirement: which day of the month to retire, and whether to retire in June or August. This booklet outlines the implications of each decision, to help members make the best choices for their situation.
Who it’s for: Give to members who are thinking about retiring and who might be considering the final choice about dates.
“Making Choices: Reach your retirement goals”
What it is: This booklet provides potential employees with an overview of the benefits of belonging to the CAAT Pension Plan. It outlines the valuable retirement income all members build in the Plan, from the day they are hired.
Who it’s for: Give to potential employees who have questions about the benefits in the CAAT Plan they would be entitled to if they were to be hired at a college employer. Use it as part of your recruitment package, or in conjunction with the Member Handbook as a brief introduction for new hires.
Print on demand – a better way to send publications
August 10
To control costs and limit the use of resources, our print publications have moved to a “Print on demand” model. This allows us to print and ship the exact quantity that you need, when you need them. We’ll be able to make changes to print publications as they occur - shortening the period between updates and ensuring you and your members have access to the most up to date material possible.
To order publications, send an email to caatpensionplan@caatpension.on.ca to let us know how many copies of our publications you need, and we’ll print and ship them to you. Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.
French publications
August 10
We will be staggering the printing of these documents, and in some cases, French versions will be available after the English publications have shipped. When ordering publications, please let us know how many copies you will need in each language.