Pension entitlement information package

The following packages provide you with important pension information that you will need when leaving the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). You will also find a detailed explanation of your pension benefit options. Assistance is provided throughout each package to help you with the administrative details.

Available pension options

The pension options available to you, as a plan member, are based on the number of years of pensionable service you have to your credit as well as the number of years of service in the force. Your benefit entitlements are also dependent on whether you are a civilian member (CM) or a regular member (RM).

If you have two or more years of service in the force when you leave the RCMP, your pension options are outlined in the following package: Pension entitlement information package; Two or more years of service in the force.

If you have less than two years of service in the force when you leave the RCMP, your pension options are outlined in the following package: Pension entitlement information package; Less than two years of service in the force.

Two or more years of service in the force

Terminating employment with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Explore these links to see what pension benefits may be available to you upon termination:

The administrative process

As you prepare for your retirement, you will be sending to and receiving information from both the Government of Canada Pension Centre (Pension Centre) and the RCMP's National Pay Operations. In an effort to encourage a smooth transition toward your termination/retirement, the Pension Centre and RCMP National Pay Operations offer the following contact information and guidelines. The critical milestones will assist active members in preparation for discharging from the force.

Contact the Pension Centre for requirements related to your pension including pension entitlement options, service buyback, Pension Benefits Division Act (PBDA), and medical and dental benefits post retirement.

The RCMP National Pay Operations oversees any requirements related to your final pay before you retire. This includes banked overtime hours, severance pay, annual leave, etc.

RCMP National Pay Operations, Specialized Unit
73 Leikin Drive
2-113A
Mailbox 25
Ottawa ON  K1A 0R2

Twelve months prior to discharge: Contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre

Contact the Pension Centre to receive general counselling about your pension (for example pension entitlement options, service buyback, Pension Benefits Division Act (PBDA), etc.).

Six months prior to your discharge: Submit notification of discharge to Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Pay Operations

Questions about the discharge request form (1733) or your pay entitlements (for example lieu time off [LTO], severance pay, annual leave, etc.) should be directed to RCMP National Pay Operations at:

Toll-free:
1-866-729-7293
Email:
rcmp.paydischarge-payerenvoi.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. (Include your name and regimental number along with the specific nature of your request).

Four months prior to discharge: Follow up with the Government of Canada Pension Centre

Contact the Pension Centre to receive additional counselling, information about your pension (for example current status of your pension information, forms to complete, etc.) and a pension benefits entitlement discharge/retirement package with all the required forms (pension benefit options, optional health and dental care plans, if applicable).

One month prior to discharge: Notification about possible pay entitlements from Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Pay Operations

Approximately one month prior to your retirement date, RCMP National Pay Operations will provide your discharge pay entitlement estimates, if applicable (for example severance pay, annual leave, lieu time off (LTO), etc.) via your work or personal email provided on the discharge request form (1733) and assist in the completion of any additional paperwork relating to pay.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Plans

Upon notification from the RCMP of your discharge, SEB Administrative Services Inc. the RCMP Benefits Administration Centre will automatically send you information/options about maintaining your coverage under the Group Life Insurance Plans post discharge, if applicable.

Questions about your Group Life Insurance coverage should be directed to SEB Administrative Services Inc. at:

Toll-free:
1-800-661-7595 (Monday to Friday between 7:30 am and 6 pm)
Or by visiting their website:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Benefits Administration Centre

Pension benefits

The pension benefits you will be entitled to when you leave the RCMP depend on your age, the number of years of pensionable service you have accumulated and your years of service in the force.

The RCMP Pension Plan offers several types of pension benefits depending on your circumstances at termination:

Description of pension benefits

Monthly benefits

There are three different types of monthly pension benefits payable under the RCMP Pension Plan. Your RCMP pension can be paid as an immediate annuity, an annual allowance or a deferred annuity, depending on the circumstances of your retirement.

Each pension benefit includes a lifetime pension which is payable until your death and a temporary bridge benefit which is payable until the first of the month following your 65th birthday or until you receive disability benefits from the Canada or Quebec Pension Plan (CPP or QPP), whichever happens first.

If you are eligible to receive a monthly pension payable immediately, you should expect to receive your first payment within 45 calendar days of termination of employment, provided all required documentation has been submitted by your national pay operations and yourself prior to your termination of employment.

Your pension is payable in monthly installments at the end of each month. Your pension payment is deposited directly to your bank account through direct deposit, on the third last banking day of each month.

The basic pension formula is calculated as follows:

2% × Years of pensionable service
(maximum 35 years) × Your highest average salary for your best
5 consecutive years of service

The RCMP Pension Plan benefit consists of two parts: a lifetime pension benefit and a bridge benefit.

A lifetime pension benefit is the permanent portion of the pension payable from the date the pension begins until death.

A bridge benefit is a temporary amount payable from the date the pension begins until age 65. The bridge benefit is roughly the same amount the member will receive under the Canada or Quebec Pension Plan (CPP or QPP) at age 65.

If you become entitled to CPP disability benefits, the bridge benefit ends immediately.

The formula for calculating the lifetime pension amount is:

Lifetime pension

When you retire, you will receive a lifetime pension based on the average salary of your five consecutive years of highest paid service and your years of pensionable service, as follows:

1.375%Footnote 1 × Years of pensionable service
(maximum 35 years) × Your highest average salary up to the AMPE

PLUS

2% × Years of pensionable service
 (maximum 35 years) × Your highest average salary in excess of the AMPE

If your pension includes part-time service, the benefits are adjusted to reflect the part-time assigned hours of work compared to the full-time hours of the position.

Bridge benefit

If you retire before age 65, you'll receive a bridge benefit in addition to the lifetime pension benefit. This temporary benefit helps to "bridge" your pension until age 65, when CPP or QPP begins or until you become entitled to CPP or QPP disability benefits, whichever comes first. The bridge benefit is calculated as follows:

0.625%Footnote 2 × Years of pensionable service
 (maximum 35 years) × Your highest average salary up to the AMPE

Total pension

Your total pension (lifetime pension + bridge benefit) equals 2% of your average salary.

If you are age 65 or older when you retire, the bridge benefit is not paid.

Immediate annuity

An immediate annuity is a monthly pension benefit payable immediately based on the basic pension formula.

Regular member

If you are a regular member, you are entitled to an immediate annuity if you terminate employment:

Civilian member

If you are a civilian member, you are entitled to an immediate annuity if you terminate employment:

If you qualify for an immediate annuity, you can calculate your benefit by using the pension benefits calculator located in the personalized pension tools, active member pension applications.

Annual allowance

If you are eligible to receive an annual allowance, the pension calculated under the basic formula will be reduced by an early retirement penalty.

The reduction is calculated based on the following:

Regular member

Note 1

If an RM has at least 24 years plus one day of service in the force, then the annual allowance reduction will be nil since it is based on the number of full years of service less than 25.

Note 2

The normal retirement age is 60 years. However, for an RM who was a contributor, as an regular member (RM) or civilian member (CM), on or after February 26, 1987 and prior to June 30, 1988, the following retirement ages apply based on rank at discharge:

An RM who meets these criteria, and who discharges and later re-engages, maintains the earlier retirement age of 56, 57, or 58, as the case may be, when he or she subsequently discharges.

Similar provisions apply to division I contributors except that retirement age is based on the former member's rank on transfer to division I rather than rank on discharge.

Civilian member

If you are a civilian member, the annual allowance cannot be paid before age 50. The basic formula is reduced by an early retirement penalty of 5% for each year by which the first pension payment precedes age 60. However, if you have 25 or more years of pensionable service and are at least 50 years of age at discharge, this penalty cannot exceed the greater of:

For purposes of determining the retirement penalty, age is rounded to the nearest 1/10th.

A CM who had the original option of a deferred annuity or annual allowance, and who opts for a deferred annuity, may, at any time after age 50 and before age 60, choose instead to receive an annual allowance in place of the deferred annuity. However, an RM who opts for a deferred annuity is not eligible to receive an annual allowance and, therefore, may not opt to replace the deferred annuity with this benefit.

If you qualify for an annual allowance, you can calculate this benefit by using the pension benefits calculator located in the personalized pension tools, Active member pension applications.

Deferred annuity

A deferred annuity is an unreduced pension benefit payable at age 60, if you have at least two years of service in the force.

You must make a pension option within one year of leaving the RCMP. After one year, if you have not made your option for a benefit, you will be deemed to have opted for a deferred annuity.

A civilian member who had the original option of a deferred annuity or annual allowance, and who opts for a deferred annuity, may, at any time after age 50 and before age 60, choose instead to receive an annual allowance in place of the deferred annuity. However, an regular member who opts for a deferred annuity is not eligible to receive an annual allowance and, therefore, may not opt to replace the deferred annuity with this benefit.

If you qualify for a deferred annuity, you can calculate your benefit by using the pension benefits calculator located in the personalized pension tools, Active member pension applications.

Lump sum benefits

There is a lump sum pension benefit option available in lieu of receiving a monthly pension benefit. This option is explained below in greater detail.

Transfer value

A transfer value (formerly referred to as a commuted value) is a lump sum payment representing the present value of the plan member's future pension entitlement. It is an actuarial estimate, determined at the valuation day (transfer value payment date), of the lump sum amount required today to fund the future pension benefit of a member, including benefits for an eligible survivor and/or children. Once a plan member has been paid a transfer value, he or she has no further entitlement under the RCMPSA.

The transfer value is determined using an actuarial calculation based on the amount of a plan member's deferred annuity that would be payable at age 60.

The payment must be transferred to a locked-in retirement vehicle, such as a life income fund (LIF), a locked-in Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or another locked-in prescribed arrangement. However, the Income Tax Act (ITA) places limits on the amount that can be transferred from a registered pension plan to another registered vehicle on a tax free basis. Any amount in excess of these limits cannot be included in a direct, tax-free transfer. The excess amount must be paid directly to the plan member and taxed accordingly. However, if the plan member has sufficient personal RRSP room, it is possible to have all or part of the excess amount transferred to the member's RRSP.

The rate of return made by funds invested in a locked-in vehicle depends on the rates of return that are available over time in the market place as well as your investment decisions, which will in turn determine the eventual level of income available to you and your dependents. The investment risk is your full responsibility.

The transfer value is calculated as of the valuation date, which is the transfer value payment date, and is based on a number of economic assumptions including net interest rate assumptions. The payment amount may differ from the estimate amount due to the fluctuation in interest rates. These interest rate assumptions vary monthly and the rates in effect, at the date of payment, will determine the amount of the payment.

If you are making service buyback payments, only the service paid for up to the date of the option can be included in the transfer value. Therefore, it is important to consider the possibility of paying the balance owing on your service buyback before making your transfer value option in order to increase the payment amount.

Unpaid deficiencies in contributions due to a period of leave without pay or defaulted payments on service buybacks will be recovered from your transfer value payment unless you make payment arrangements before the transfer value is paid.

In accordance with the limits specified in the Income Tax Regulations, a transfer value payment may have three components:

Amount within tax limits

This portion of the lump sum must be moved directly into a Registered Pension Plan (RPP), a locked-in Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), or a financial institution in order to purchase an annuity.

The amount within the tax limit is calculated as follows: multiply the annual pension payable at age 65 by the age factor at payment date.

Table of Transfer Value calculation for the amount within tax limit
Attained age Present value factor
Under 50 9.0
50 9.4
51 9.6
52 9.8
53 10.0
54 10.2
55 10.4

The table above explains the amount within the tax limit is calculated as follows: multiply the annual pension payable at age 65 by the age factor at payment date.

In order for the Government of Canada Pension Centre to issue your payment, you and your financial institution must complete and return the following forms:

Direct transfer of a single amount under Subsection 147(19) or Section 147.3 (T2151)

Certification of Lock-in for Purposes of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act or the Pension Benefits Division Act (RCMP-GRC 2347-18E)

Amount in excess of tax limits

Where a portion of the transfer value exceeds the tax limit amount, the payment will be made directly to you and that amount becomes part of your taxable income in the year it is paid. If you have sufficient RRSP contribution room, no tax will be deducted on the amount that you transfer to your RRSP.

If you wish to transfer all or a portion of this amount to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan, you must provide us with one of the following documents:

Amount under the retirement compensation arrangement

The Income Tax Act places restrictions on the pension benefits accrued per year of service. Pension benefits, which are within the limits allowed under the Income Tax Act, will be paid under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, with the remainder being paid from the RCA. The RCA is a plan which provides benefits that exceed the allowable limits for a registered pension plan. If your average salary or your projected survivor benefits exceeds the RCMP Pension Plan maximum benefit threshold, the transfer value calculation will include an amount in addition to the two amounts described above. This amount would be paid under the RCA, established under the Special Retirement Arrangements Act. The RCA transfer value amount cannot be transferred to a tax-sheltered vehicle; it must be paid directly to you and taxed as required by the Income Tax Regulations.

Additional options

Medical retirement

Under the RCMPSA, in order to qualify for retirement due to disability, your RCMP Occupational Health and Safety Branch must certify that your situation meets the following definition:

A regular member who is compulsorily discharged due to disability with two or more years of pensionable service is entitled to an immediate annuity.

A civilian member with two or more years of pensionable service who is compulsorily discharged for reasons of disability is entitled to an immediate annuity, regardless of age or years of service in the force.

If you become disabled and receive an immediate annuity, but later regain your health your pension benefit does not change.

If you discharge with a deferred annuity and then become disabled, the deferred annuity is changed to an immediate annuity. Should you subsequently regain your health before age 60, then the immediate annuity ceases and you have the choice of a deferred annuity payable at 60; an annual allowance payable at 50; or (if under 50) a transfer value.

If you wish to pursue retirement for medical reasons, please notify the Government of Canada Pension Centre and they will provide you with further information.

Pension transfer agreement out

If you have accepted or plan to accept a position with an employer outside the RCMP following your termination of employment, you may wish to consider transferring your pension credits to your new employer. This can be done if a Pension transfer agreement exists between the new employer and the RCMP (certain deadlines and restrictions apply). Further information can be found in the pension transfer out section of the Pension transfer agreements package or by contacting the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

Transfer to the Canadian Forces or the Federal Public Service Pension Plan

If you have accepted or plan to accept a position with the Canadian Forces or the Public Service, you may wish to consider transferring your pensionable service from the RCMP Pension Plan to their pension plan. Further information can be obtained from the Service buyback package.

Pension indexation

On January 1 of every year, your pension may be subject to a cost-of-living adjustment to take into account increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The cost-of-living adjustment accumulates from the year of termination to the year that you meet one of the conditions for eligibility defined below.

Regular member

Civilian member

  1. You are age 50
  2. You are under 50 years of age and are discharged for reason of disability

Indexation is never payable in the year of termination. The first increase payable the year after you terminate employment will be prorated to reflect the number of full months left in the year in which you terminated your employment.

If you are entitled to a deferred annuity when you terminate your employment, your pension, when it is payable, will be increased by the total accumulated percentage increases from your date of termination of employment.

Example: If an employee terminates employment on August 20, then he would be entitled to a pension indexing increase of 4/12 of the total adjustment for the following year.

Month of termination Prorated increase for the following year
Month of termination Prorated increase for the following year
January 11/12
February 10/12
March 9/12
April 8/12
May 7/12
June 6/12
July 5/12
August 4/12
September 3/12
October 2/12
November 1/12
December 0/12

The table above explains the prorated increase based on the month of termination with the prorated increase for the following year.

When you stop receiving the bridge benefit, either at age 65 or when you start receiving CPP or QPP disability benefits, your indexing will be recalculated based on your lifetime pension amount only.

Effects of re-employment on indexing benefits

If you become re-employed in the RCMP and again become a plan member, the payment of your pension, including indexing, will cease. When you cease to be employed again, your indexing benefit will be based on the amount of your basic pension at that time. Your termination date for determining the increased annual percentage will be the most recent termination date.

The new combination of pension benefits, that is, your new annuity plus the increase based on the later year of termination of employment, could be lower than the previous total entitlement. If you are thinking of taking a job where you will become plan member, carefully consider if it would affect your total pension benefit.

Group insurance benefit plans

You may be eligible to continue coverage under certain benefit plans:

Benefit plans cover table
Benefits Immediate annuity Annual allowance Deferred annuity Transfer value Return of contributions Cash termination allowance
Public Service Health Care Plan Y Y YFootnote 3 N/A N/A N/A
Pensioners' Dental Services Plan Y Y YFootnote 3 N/A N/A N/A
Canada Savings Bonds YFootnote 4 YFootnote 4 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign Y Y YFootnote 3 N/A N/A N/A

The table above identifies which benefit plans you may be eligible to continue coverage under (Y) indicates that benefits can continue.

Public Service Health Care Plan

If you opt for a benefit payable immediately (immediate annuity or immediate annual allowance) you may continue your coverage by having contributions deducted from your monthly pension. To apply for coverage as a pensioner, you must submit a signed application form Public Service Health Care Plan – Pensioner application (TBS-SCT 006492).

If you opt for a pension benefit payable in the future (deferred annual allowance or deferred annuity) you or your survivors may be eligible to re-join the Public Service Health Care Plan at that time.

If application is made within 60 days of becoming eligible (that is, marriage, common-law, date of engagement, etc.), coverage is effective the first of the month following the date of application.

If you do not apply for coverage within 60 days of becoming eligible, the requested coverage will be effective the first of the fourth month following the date of application.

Further information on the Public Service Health Care Plan can be obtained by referring to Your insurance benefits at a glance.

Pensioners' Dental Services Plan

If you opt for a benefit payable immediately, (immediate annuity or immediate annual allowance) you may be eligible to join the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan.

If the Pension Centre receives your Pensioners' Dental Services Plan enrolment form within 60 days of your pension entitlement date, your dental coverage will begin on the same day as your membership begins.

If you choose not to apply within the initial 60-day period, you still have the opportunity to join the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan at a later date.

If your enrolment form is received later than 60 days from the effective date of your pension entitlement, your membership will begin on the first day of the second month following the date the Pension Centre receives your enrolment form. Coverage for all dental services begins on the same day as your membership begins.

If you opt for a benefit payable in the future (deferred annual allowance or deferred annuity), you or your survivors may be eligible to join the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan at that time.

Should you choose a lump sum benefit payment, you will not be eligible to join the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan.

If you choose to apply for coverage, you can obtain the form "Pensioners' Dental Services Plan" (PWGSC-TPSGC 439-E) from the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

General information

There are other factors to consider before making a decision about your pension:

Survivor benefits

If you opt to receive a monthly pension benefit, now or in the future, your eligible survivor and children will be entitled to an allowance in the event of your death.

A survivor's allowance is payable to a legal spouse if you were married before age 60 or, if over age 60, you were an active member at the time of your marriage.

A survivor's allowance may be payable to a common-law partner if you lived in a common-law relationship before age 60 or, if over age 60 still an active member, and for at least one year before your death, with whom you have lived in a relationship of a conjugal nature for at least one year, as long as that relationship began prior to age 60 and continued without interruption until your death. For children to be eligible for an allowance, they must be under age 18 or a full-time student between 18 and 25 years or age.

If you marry after age 60, your survivor would not normally be entitled to an allowance. However, you may elect to provide your survivor with a benefit by taking a reduction in your own pension. You must choose this option within one year of marriage.

Should you choose a lump sum benefit payment (transfer value), your survivors will not be entitled to survivor benefits.

Additional information on survivor benefits may be obtained from the When death occurs web page.

Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan

If you opt for a monthly pension benefit under the RCMP Pension Plan, your pension will consist of 2 parts:

The bridge benefit is only payable for a specified period because the public service pension formula has been adjusted to reflect the requirement to participate under CPP or QPP.

It is important that you complete a Pension information release (RCMP-GRC 2265E) form to confirm whether or not you are in receipt of a disability benefit from the Canada or Quebec Pension Plan (CPP or QPP) prior to age 65. Until the Government of Canada Pension Centre receives the form indicating that you are not in receipt of a disability benefit, the Pension Centre will assume that you are receiving disability benefits from the CPP or QPP and the bridge benefit amount will not be paid to you from your date of entitlement or date of termination, whichever is later.

For information on the Canada or Quebec Pension Plan, please contact their office. Information about the Canada Pension Plan may be obtained from the Service Canada website.

Information about the Quebec Pension Plan may be obtained from the Quebec Pension Plan website.

Old Age Security Pension

This Government of Canada monthly benefit is payable to all persons aged 65 or more who satisfy certain conditions of residency.

Information about the Old Age Security may be obtained from the Service Canada; Old Age Security Pension web page.

Re-employment in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as a member (Regular member/Civilian member)

If you are re-employed in the RCMP as a plan member before having made your pension benefit option, you cease to be entitled to exercise an option until you cease employment again.

If you are in receipt of an ongoing pension benefit and choose to become re-employed in the RCMP as a plan member, your monthly pension, (including indexing if applicable) will cease. You cannot receive a pension under the RCMP Pension Plan and accumulate pensionable RCMP service simultaneously. You should note that if you become re-employed as a plan member, your pension entitlement may be negatively affected. For example, indexing would be calculated based on your most recent termination date and you would lose any annual cost-of-living increases (indexing) you may have accumulated.

Note

Due to the potential impact of re-employment on your pension entitlement and the indexing payable on your pension, it is highly recommended that you consult the Pension Centre before becoming re-employed in the RCMP. You should ensure that you understand how your re-employment will affect your pension benefit entitlement. Re-employment may also affect your coverage under the Public Service Heath Care Plan and the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan.

Potential service buyback

If you have any prior pensionable service that may be purchased under the RCMP Pension Plan, keep in mind that this service must be bought back prior to ceasing your employment in the RCMP. service buybacks increase pensionable service time and possibly service in the force, which may increase the value of your pension benefit or change your pension benefit options.

For additional information, refer to the Service buyback package.

Current service buyback

If you are currently paying for a service buyback from your salary, this semi-monthly payment will continue from your immediate monthly pension benefit. Otherwise, your monthly payments should be sent directly to the Government of Canada Pension Centre until you become eligible to receive a pension.

If you do not receive an immediate pension benefit, you may choose to delay your service buyback payment until your pension becomes payable. It is important to note that if you choose this method, interest is charged on your defaulted payments. This may result in a substantially higher monthly amount to be deducted from your pension when it becomes payable.

You may choose to pay the balance of your service buyback using termination payments payable by the RCMP. Please advise us if you wish to pursue this payment method, and we can provide you with an estimate of the balance owing on your service buyback.

You can make a lump sum payment at any time to either pay off your balance owing, decrease your monthly payment amount or shorten your repayment period. You may also increase the amount of your monthly payment at any time to shorten your repayment period.

Leave without pay

If you are on leave without pay at date of termination, you have the option of not counting as pensionable service the leave without pay period which extends after the first three months. In order to exercise this option, you must complete an Election not to count leave without pay as pensionable service (RCMP-GRC 2480) form and forward it to the Pension Centre prior to your official termination date. This choice will not be valid if you sign it after ceasing to be employed.

Debts due to the Crown

If the RCMP informs the Pension Centre that you owe a debt to the Crown, such as overpaid salaries and allowances, these amounts will be recovered from your pension benefit. You will be advised of such recovery in writing.

Direct deposit

As part of the Government of Canada's efforts to reduce paper consumption, the Pension Centre issues its pension payments by direct deposit. At the time of making your pension option, you will be required to provide your banking information to start direct deposit. Your monthly pension cheque will then be deposited to your bank account on the third last banking day of the month.

Income tax

If you opt for an ongoing pension, income tax (federal and provincial) will be deducted at source based on your province of residence (for non-residents, based on the country of residence). If you wish to claim more than the basic personal amount, you must complete the Personal Tax Credits Return (TD1) form and the applicable provincial or territorial form, which can be found at TD1 forms.

Quebec residents should use the federal Personal Tax Credits Return (TD1 forms) and the provincial Source Deductions Return (TP 1015.3 V) form.

Canada Savings Bonds

If you already had an existing Canada Savings Bonds deduction from your salary prior to termination, you may choose to continue to have this deducted from your monthly pension. However, Canada Savings Bonds deductions cannot be transferred to a RRSP once you become a pensioner.

Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign

If you opt for an ongoing benefit payable immediately (immediate annuity or immediate annual allowance) you may have the remaining deductions pledged as an employee deducted from your monthly pension.

You may also choose to complete your pledge by making payments directly to the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). Arrangements can be made by contacting 613-228-6700. More information can be found on the GCWCC website.

Federal Superannuates National Association

The Federal Superannuates National Association is a non-profit organization bringing together pensioners from the public service, the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well as spouses and surviving spouses of these pensioners. The association promotes measures beneficial to its members and ensures that pensioners are kept informed with regard to their rights. More information can be found on their website Federal Superannuates National Association or by calling 613-745-2559.

Documents

When the Pension Centre is advised by National Pay Operations of your intention of leaving the RCMP and your expected termination date, the Pension Centre will provide you with your personalized Pension Benefit Options Statement outlining your particular pension choices. The Pension Centre can answer other questions you may have. The Pension Centre may also request the following documents:

It is important to have these documents on your file such as your birth certificate since age affects the type of pension benefit you can receive. In the event of your death, certificates related to your family are necessary for the payment of survivor and child allowances.

Forms

All forms on this website are available in portable document format (PDF). This means that you need a PDF software reader to view, print, or download these documents.

Once you have reviewed your personalized Pension Benefit Options Statement and have made your pension choice, the Government of Canada Pension Centre will require certain documents from you to start the process. These forms should be completed as soon as possible. Below is a guide outlining the required and optional forms based on your chosen pension option.

The table below is a guide outlining the forms required and optional forms based on your chosen pension option (M) Mandatory, (O) Optional. This table outlines the required and optional forms based on your chosen pension option.

Table for Pension forms required and optional
Benefits Immediate annuity Annual allowance Deferred annuity Transfer value Return of contributions Cash termination allowance
Pension Benefit Options Statement (RCMP-GRC 2011E-PF) M M M M M M
Pension information release (RCMP-GRC 2265E) M M N/A N/A N/A N/A
Deductions from annuity or annual allowance (RCMP-GRC 1422E) M M N/A N/A N/A N/A
Certification of Lock-in for Purposes of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act or the Pension Benefits Division Act (RCMP-GRC 2347-18E) N/A N/A N/A M N/A N/A
Direct Transfer of a single amount under subsection 147(19) or section 147.3 (T2151) N/A N/A N/A M N/A N/A
Federal & Provincial Personal Tax Credits Return O O N/A N/A N/A N/A
Naming or substitution of a pension beneficiary (RCMP-GRC 2196E) O O O O O O

This table outlines the required and optional forms based on your chosen pension option.

Note that the Pension Benefit Options Statement (RCMP-GRC 2011E-PF) and the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan form (PWGSC-TPSGC 439-E) must be obtained directly from the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

In order to have any of the deductions outlined in this package taken from a monthly pension benefit payable immediately, you must sign and return the form Deductions from annuity or annual allowance (RCMP-GRC 1422E) to the Government of Canada Pension Centre. In addition, if choosing to have coverage under an optional Group Insurance Benefit Plan, an application may or may not be required. Reference should be made to the applicable section of the Group Insurance Benefit Plans for confirmation.

The Pension Benefit Options Statement (RCMP-GRC 2011E-PF) form should be completed and returned to the Government of Canada Pension Centre regardless of which benefit you choose.

Canada Revenue Agency forms

To obtain hard copies of these forms which have been designed to meet the needs of visually impaired people, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency.

Complete the TD1 Personal Tax Credits Return form as well as the corresponding provincial form if you wish to increase your tax credit beyond the basic personal amount.

TD1 Personal Tax Credits Return

Alberta

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Northwest Territories

Nova Scotia

Nunavut

Ontario

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskatchewan

Yukon

Post retirement

Here are some facts to keep in mind after you retire:

Less than two years of service in the force

Terminating employment with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Explore these links to see what pension benefits may be available to you upon termination:

The administrative process

When you decide to terminate your employment, both the Government of Canada Pension Centre (Pension Centre) and the RCMP's National Pay Operations will be involved.

It is recommended that you initiate the process to discharge at least 4 months in advance to ensure a smooth transition toward your termination:

Pension benefits

The RCMP Pension Plan offers different pension benefit options:

Description of pension benefits

If you terminate your employment with less than two years of service in the force, depending on your reason for discharge, your benefit entitlement under the provisions of the RCMP Pension Plan could be a return of contributions or a cash termination allowance.

Return of contributions

A return of contributions is a lump sum equal to the pension contributions you paid into the plan, plus accrued interest. The rate of interest payable on a return of contributions is calculated at the annual rate of return of the RCMP pension fund, compounded quarterly to the end of the quarter preceding the date of payment.

You have the option of having your return of contributions paid directly to you or transferring it to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or a Registered Pension Plan (RPP). Please indicate your chosen method of payment by completing Part 1, Section C, of the Pension Benefit Options Statement (RCMP-GRC 2011E-PF). If you choose to have your return paid directly to you, federal and provincial income tax will be deducted at source based on your province of residence (or country of residence for non-residents). A pension adjustment reversal will be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency to restore your RRSP room.

Note

The Income Tax Act places restrictions on the pension benefits accrued per year of service. Pension benefits which are within the limits allowed under the Income Tax Act will be paid under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, with the remainder being paid from the retirement compensation arrangement. The retirement compensation arrangement is a plan which provides benefits that exceed the allowable limits for a registered pension plan. Any retirement compensation arrangement contributions that form part of the return of contributions entitlement cannot be transferred to a RRSP or a RPP. This portion is payable in cash and tax is deducted at source.

Cash termination allowance

A cash termination allowance (CTA) is a lump sum payment, payable as at the date of discharge, equal to one month's pay for each year of pensionable service, reduced by an amount which takes into consideration the coordination of the contributions under the RCMP Pension Plan with those under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

The CTA is calculated on the plan member's rate of pay when he/she ceases to be a member of the force.

The CTA is payable from the RCMP Pension Fund and may be transferred directly to a RRSP.

Surrender protection

It's a term that's applied to pensionable service of at least two years earned under the Public Service Pension Plan, Canadian Forces Pension Plan or the Members of Parliament Pension Plan that you surrendered to the RCMP Pension Plan on engagement. It indicates that the associated benefit you surrendered will be 'protected' on any subsequent discharge from the RCMP.

Service in the force is the measure generally used to determine if you're vested in the RCMP Pension Plan; that is, if you're entitled to a benefit other than a lump-sum return of contributions (ROC) plus interest or cash termination allowance (CTA). If you discharge with less than two years of service in the force, without ‘surrender protection', you'd only be entitled to a lump sum, regardless of how much pensionable service you had. But with ‘surrender protection' you're entitled to a deferred annuity payable at age 60 or an immediate annuity, if you're already 60 or older.

Additional options2

Pension transfer agreement

If you have accepted, or are planning to accept a position with an employer outside the RCMP following your termination of employment, you may wish to consider transferring your pension credits to your new employer instead of receiving a return of contributions or a Cash termination allowance. This can be done if a Pension transfer agreement exists between the new employer and the Government of Canada (certain deadlines and restrictions apply). Further information can be found in the pension transfer out section of the Pension transfer agreements package or by contacting the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

Transfer to the Canadian Forces or the Federal Public Service Pension Plan

If you have accepted or plan to accept a position with the Canadian Forces or Federal Public Service, you may wish to consider transferring your pensionable service from the RCMP Pension Plan to their pension plan. Further information can be obtained from the Service buyback package or by contacting the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

Note

If you terminate employment with more than two years of pensionable service, you may have more pension benefit options available. For more information, consult the Pension entitlement information package; Two or more years of service in the force or contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

General information

Debts due to the Crown

If your employer informs the Pension Centre that you owe a debt to the Crown, such as overpaid salaries and allowances, these amounts will be recovered from your return of contributions. You will be advised of such recovery in writing.

Re-employment in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Should you become re-employed as a member of the RCMP before your return of contributions or cash termination allowance is issued, you would no longer be entitled to the payment. If the payment had been issued, you will have the option to purchase that service.

Potential service buyback

If you have any prior pensionable service that may be purchased under the RCMP Pension Plan, keep in mind that this service must be bought back prior to you ceasing to be employed in the RCMP.

For additional information, refer to the Service buyback package.

Forms

Once you have reviewed the Pension Benefit Options Statement (RCMP-GRC 2011E-PF) received from the Pension Centre and have made your pension choice, the Pension Benefit Options Statement must be returned to the Government of Canada Pension Centre as soon as possible for processing.

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