Our Benefits Plan

As an eligible OSSTF member, this is where you and your family members will receive information on your benefits, including Life Insurance, AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) and Health and Dental benefits.

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FAQsFrequently Asked Questions

How is the OSSTF Benefits Plan funded?

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Negotiated FTE (Full Time Equivalent) funding is used to fund the Basic Life and AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) premiums for eligible active members and the majority of the funding for health and dental benefits. Eligible members on a non-statutory approved leave may elect to continue to participate in the benefits plan on a 100% member-paid basis.

Basic Life and AD&D benefits are 100% funded by the OSSTF ELHT and mandatory for all eligible active members regardless of their FTE level. The plan also includes Voluntary Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits for members and their spouses as well as child optional life benefits on a voluntary 100% member paid basis.

See more on the FAQs page.
Who is eligible for participation in the OSSTF Benefits Plan?

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- Contract teachers and support staff
- Eligible long term occasional (LTO) teachers
- Eligible retirees
Details for LTO and retirees, see more on the FAQs page.
When will eligible members receive their invitation to enrol?

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The Boards are responsible for providing Human Resource Information System (HRIS) data to OTIP on a regular basis that will identify when a member is eligible to enrol in the plan or if there are eligibility changes. Once the Board provides this information to OTIP, eligible members will be notified by OTIP when they are eligible to enrol for benefits coverage in the OSSTF Benefits Plan. OTIP will send an email to the member’s Board email address and the member will be required to log in to the OTIP’s secure website to complete their enrolment online within 31 days of the date that they received the invite. If the member does not complete their enrolment within the specified time, new health care coverage and/or coverage changes will be subject to approval by the insurer along with any required new proof of good health and dental coverage would be subject to a $200 maximum in the first 12 months of coverage.
When will I be eligible to make changes to my coverage?

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If you experience a life change event, you may enrol in the health and dental benefits or make changes without evidence of medical insurability. These life change events may include:
- increase in FTE
- birth/adoption of a child
- marriage/common law qualification
- loss of spousal benefits
You will need to complete your enrolment or make changes within 31 days of the life change event.

Note: Eligibility requirements are based on the member being actively at work or while on a qualifying statutory leave.