Benefits (Defined Benefit Plans)

Pension benefits are benefits provided to an individual from a pension plan that are payable on a periodic basis.

Registered private pension plans are classified either as defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans. If a pension plan contains defined benefit and defined contribution provisions, the plan is considered a defined benefit plan under the PBSA.

Publications

TypeTitleYear
Guidance Authorization of Amendments Reducing Benefits in Defined Benefit Pension Plans2022
Form Authorization Request Form for Amendments Reducing Benefits (PDF, 223 KB)2022
Newsletter Applications for approvals to be filed using the Regulatory Reporting System2022
Newsletter Retiree and survivor audits2022
Newsletter Revisions to the Directives and related FAQs2021
FAQ Directives of the Superintendent – FAQs2021
Newsletter Update on temporary portability freeze2020
Newsletter 50% rule and benefit increases2020
Newsletter Incorrect jurisdiction of record for locked-in funds2018
Newsletter Pension payments to former members beginning after pensionable age2017
Newsletter Entitlement to bridge benefits payable at pensionable age2017
Newsletter Portability and Annuity Purchases by Members2015
Newsletter Application of the 50% Rule Exception (Subsection 21(3)) of the PBSA)2015
Newsletter Recalculation of a Member's Pension Benefit Credit – Correction2014
Newsletter Retiree and Survivor Audits2013
Guidance Benefits Subject to Consent2011
Guidance Pensionable Age and Early Retirement2009
Guidance Waiver and Surrender of Spousal Benefits2009
Guidance Cessation of Membership within the R-10 period - Entitlement to a Deferred Pension2008
Guidance Vested Benefits Payable to Terminating Employees2008
Guidance Final Location Approach for Benefit Entitlement2008
Newsletter Individual Pension Plans and Canada Revenue Agency's Rule on Minimum Payment Withdrawals2013
Newsletter Inadvertent Changes When Making Plan Amendments2013
Newsletter Federally Regulated Plans Opting Out of Grow-in Benefits for Ontario Members2012
Newsletter Crown Corporations – Reduction of Solvency Special Payments2012
Newsletter Pre-Retirement Death Benefit – Dependent Children2012
Newsletter Retiree and Survivor Audits2011
Newsletter Survivor Rights - Prescribed Retirement Savings Plan2010
Newsletter Determining a Member's Transfer Value2009
Newsletter Restriction on Transfer Values - DB Plans2008
Newsletter The 50% Rule for DB Plans - Section 21 of the PBSA2008
FAQ Phased Retirement2017