Becoming Disabled

For Disability from September 1, 1992

If you become disabled, you may continue to accrue Pensionable Service without having to make any contributions if:

• you were a contributing active ATRF member, on a leave of absence, or on strike immediately before the disability began, and
• you received, or are receiving, a long-term or extended disability benefit through your employer during the period of disability,

or

you did not receive, or are not receiving, payments through your employer’s plan because:

• you opted not to belong to a disability plan in the early 1970’s,
• you are receiving compensation from the Workers’ Compensation Board, or
• you have a gap between your sick leave entitlement and your eligibility for the long-term or extended disability benefit and your physician can verify your disability.

You must make application to ATRF in order to accrue Pensionable Service while you are disabled. Applications and more information may be obtained from ATRF.

If you accrue Pensionable Service for any period of disability from September 1, 1992, tax rules require ATRF to issue a T4A with a Pension Adjustment (PA). This PA will reduce your RRSP contribution room. If application to accrue Pensionable Service is delayed, income tax returns for previous years may be affected.

See the Information Kit "Accruing Pensionable Service While Disabled " for more information.

For Disability Before September 1, 1992

Periods of disability before September 1, 1992 may be purchased as Pensionable Service. See Purchasing Service.