Are Permanent Members Eligible for Continuation of Benefits During a Period of Lay-Off?

May 1, 2024

Answer:

OSSTF Benefits has been set up to allow that permanent members, whose positions are made redundant, are eligible to continue their benefits on a 100% member paid basis.  This includes the Life Insurance and AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) Benefits as well as the Health and Dental Benefits at the same level that they were covered for as an active member.

Members can elect participation in all of the benefits that they were covered for as active, or they can elect to participate in only one or more of the benefits.

For example, if a member is participating in all benefits as active, they can elect to continue:

• Life and AD&D only, and suspend health and dental, or
• Health benefits only and suspend the life insurance and AD&D and dental benefits, or
• Any other variance on benefits that they were participating in while active.
• This applies to the Optional Member Life & AD&D as well as the Optional Spousal Life & AD&D benefits, or Dependent Child Life Insurance Benefits, i.e. they can be continued on a 100% member paid basis or suspended.

If a member elects for the suspension of one or all of their benefits, they are eligible for reinstatement of these benefits without restrictions or evidence of insurability upon their return to active duties.  If they do not return to active duties, then benefits cannot be reinstated.

The maximum time duration for benefits to be continued during a lay-off is:

• Up to a maximum of 24 months from the lay-off date for a member who is on a recall list.
• Up to a maximum of 6 months from the lay-off date for a member who is indefinitely laid off and not on the recall list.

Note:  The 24 month and 6 month maximum coverage periods cannot be combined.

For reference here are the current premium costs for teachers and for education workers.

Note:  These rates are subject to change at any time.  Most often rates change at renewal, which is scheduled for September 1^st of each year.

Members are encouraged to contact OTIP Benefits Services at 1-866-783-6847 for assistance during their leave election of benefits.

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The information in this document is provided by OSSTF Benefits for general information only. OSSTF Benefits endeavours to have all information current and accurate. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information included. All information is subject to change without notice.

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