Purchasing Service

There may be periods of time during your employment when you were not contributing to the pension plan. The following gaps in pensionable service are eligible to be purchased:

  • Periods of approved leave
  • Previously refunded contributions, if non-vested
  • Maternity/parental/adoption leave

If you purchase an eligible period of time, it will increase the pension benefit amount you receive at retirement.

To do so, you must apply by submitting a Purchase of Service Application (PDF) to the Pensions and Benefits office. Once you apply to purchase service, the cost will be calculated and you will be provided with payment options. The cost to buy service is based on one- or two-times contributions, depending on the service type.

Service can only be purchased within the following time limits:

Type of Service When Application Must be Submitted
 Approved Leave (up to 2 years)
* Calculated at 2x contributions
 Within 24 months of the end of the leave
 Buyback of Non-Vested Refund
* Cost is the original gross refund plus 
  effective interest at date application is submitted
 Within 24 months of the refund date
 EARLY election Maternity/Parental/Adoption Leave
* Calculated at 1x contributions
 Within 12 months of the end of the leave
 LATE election Maternity/Parental/Adoption Leave
* Calculated at 2x contributions
 After month 12 and up to month 24 following the end of the leave