Joining the Plan
	You automatically become a member of the Teachers' pension plan and begin to accrue credit when your employer deducts pension contributions from your pay. You qualify as a member if you have a Certificate of Qualification or current Letter of Permission and work: • in any capacity for a school board in Ontario; • in a designated capacity for a designated organization, such as a teachers' federation, which participates in the plan under a special agreement; or • as a teacher or in some administrative positions - under an authorized exchange program; - for a designated private school; - for an Ontario government ministry; or - for the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
	Designated employer rules change Sept. 1, 2008 All qualified teachers who begin working for a designated private school or designated organization after Aug. 31, 2008, will be required to join the Teachers’ pension plan. Qualified teachers who are already employed at a designated employer, but are ineligible to join the pension plan under current rules, will automatically become members Sept. 1, 2008, unless they exercise a one-time opportunity to opt out. To opt out, qualified employees must sign a waiver form before Dec. 1, 2008. The form will be available from employers in late spring.
	If you have any questions, please contact us.

	Posted February 2008	TOP