Retirement Benefits
Retirement options and post-retirement benefit options for Support Staff, Academic Staff and Management and Professional Staff (MAPS).
Retirement Options
Reduced Duties Leading to Retirement - the University of Alberta offers this program to Support Staff as an option for transitioning into retirement. The program allows the employee the opportunity to take a partial leave without pay in the years immediately preceding retirement. For additional details and eligibility requirements, please see the Collective Agreement-Common Provisions-Article 19.
Please note: Each application must be approved by the Dean, Director, or Trustholder and Human Resource Services. Once an agreement is concluded it becomes binding on the employee and the Employer.
Post-Retirement Benefit Options
If you retire early, you may be eligible for Bridge Benefits until age 65. If you are not eligible for Bridge Benefits, your benefits coverage including supplementary health and dental care; life, disability and other insurance; etc. will end with retirement. Review the retirement rules surrounding your benefits coverage at Ending Employment. Review your post-employment benefits options at Organizations Offering Retiree Benefits.
Note: Alberta Health Services will contact you within 6 months prior to your 65th birthday regarding application for Alberta Blue Cross Senior's Benefits. Ensure Alberta Health Services has your up-to-date, current address.
Bridge Benefits for Support Staff
Eligible staff who decide to retire early may elect to continue participation in several of the staff benefit programs during the period between the date of early retirement and the end of the month in which you will attain age 65. The employer premium costs for such benefits will be paid by the University to the same extent that they are paid for active staff members.
Eligibility for Bridge Benefits
- You must currently be working in a full-time regular or full-time non-established Support position funded out of the University's operating accounts (including ancillary accounts);
- You must be at least 55 years of age, but less that age 65
- You must currently be a member of the Public Service Pension Plan; and
- You must have a minimum of 20 years of pensionable service with the University.
Included Benefits
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Supplementary Health Care | Continue as long as you reside in Canada and are covered by a provincial medial plan |
| Dental Care | Continues wherever you reside |
| Group Life Insurance | Continues wherever you reside |
Please see the Support Staff Bridge Benefit Program booklet for full details.
Retirement Options
A staff member governed by the Faculty, FSO, APO or Librarian Agreements may apply for either a Phased Pre-Retirement Period of Employment or a Phased Post-Retirement Period of Employment. Please Refer to Retirement Options for Continuing Academic Staff for more information. A summary of benefit coverage associated with each option is listed below:
Post-Retirement Benefit Options
Your benefits coverage including supplementary health and dental care and life, disability, and other insurances, etc. end with retirement. Review the retirement rules surrounding your benefits coverage at Ending Employment.
Review the plans identified by the Academic Benefits Review Task Force as providing competitive level of benefits coverage with competitive cost, member flexibility as some plans do not require medical evidence of insurability, and levels of coverage to help best fit individual needs.
Note: Alberta Health Services will contact you within 6 months prior to your 65th birthday regarding application for Alberta Blue Cross Senior's Benefits. Ensure Alberta Health Services has your up-to-date, current address.
Review the Management and Professional Staff (MAPS) Handbook for your eligibility.
As a University of Alberta employee, you may retire anytime after the age of 55. The university’s Retirement Planning guide provides you with support resources as well as a number of important considerations that can help you prepare for your retirement.
If you intend to retire, provide written notice three months in advance.
Pension
MAPS participate in the Universities Academic Pension Plan (UAPP). Visit the Universities Academic Pension Plan web page to confirm your eligibility and learn more about your contributions and benefits under this plan.
Employees may also be eligible to participate in the Executive Defined Contribution Supplemental Retirement Plan (EDCSRP) in addition to the UAPP. If your annual pensionable salary exceeds the annual UAPP salary cap, you are considered a member of the EDCSRP and participate in the plan. Visit the EDCSRP web page to learn more about membership and contributions.
Options for reducing your hours at retirement
Continuing employees have the option to apply for either a phased pre-retirement period or a phased post-retirement period before or after their retirement date. Your pay for these periods will be based on your responsibilities and the hours you work.
Apply for phased pre-retirement within six months of the date you would like your phased period to begin. Apply for phased post-retirement within 12 months before your scheduled retirement date.
| Phased Pre-Retirement Period | Phased Post-Retirement Period |
|---|---|
| 40% or 50% reduction of full-time hours and pay | 40%, 50%, or 60% reduction of full-time hours and pay |
| Period can begin up to two years before retirement | Period can last for up to three years after retirement |
| Employee remains a continuing employee | Employee becomes a temporary employee |
| Eligible to participate in MAPS Benefits Program | Eligible to participate in MAPS Benefits Program |
| Eligible to participate in Phased Post-Retirement Benefits |
Benefits during your phased period
Employees who are approved for either a phased pre- or post-retirement period will remain eligible to participate in the MAPS Benefits Program.
Employees who are approved for a phased post-retirement period are also eligible to participate in Phased Post-Retirement Benefits.
These benefits include:
- Supplementary Health Care Insurance
- Health Spending Account
- Dental Insurance
- Coverage in the Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Business Travel Insurance
- Professional Expense Reimbursement
- Tuition Remission