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Pension Increase for 2012 (November 6 2011)
The Treasury Board has announced that the increase in indexing to be applied, on January 1, 2012, to public service, Canadian Forces, RCMP, and federally appointed judges’ pensions will be 2.8%.
For more information on how these pension benefits are protected from inflation, click here.
211 Service Now Available in Lanark County (May 12 2011)
211 is a three-digit phone number and website that provides information and referral to community and social services in Ontario. The service is speading across Ontario and was made available in Lanark County on May 6 2011. When you dial the 211 hotline, you are connected with a Certified Information and Referral Specialist who has been trained to assess your needs, answer your questions accurately, and advise you about the services and programs that are best for you and your loved ones.
For more information, visit their website at www.211ontario.ca.
Increase in PSHCP pensioner contributions (March 3 2011)
Treasury Board has announced increases in contributions for pensioners who are covered by the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and who reside in Canada. As of April 1, 2011, monthly rates for Level I supplementary coverage will increase by approximately $7 for single coverage or $13 for family coverage.
Click here for a summary of the changes applicable to most retirees.
Click here for a Treasury Board statement regarding the changes.
PSHCP Benefit Card Update (December 11 2010)
The 34-day supply dispensing limit imposed on acute care drugs was changed to 100 days, and is now the same as the limit applied to all Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) eligible drugs. As in the past, travellers who need more than a three-month supply can make arrangements with the Sun Life PSHCP call center to be authorized to purchase an additional 100-day supply. It will take two business days for this authorization to be relayed to their pharmacist. The Sun Life PSHCP call centre is open from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Friday (EST), in the National Capital Region, at 613-247-5100 or toll free at 1-888-757-7427.
PSHCP Positive Enrolment Mandatory (October 30 2010)
The National Public Service Health Care Plan Partners Committee would like to see this information distributed to as many plan participants as possible. Please read this document that explains administrative changes that will introduce the Health Benefit Card. The letter points out that in order for PSHCP claims to be processed after November 1 2010, you must have completed the Sun Life Positive Enrolment. This applies to all claims, whether electronic or on paper.
Pension Surplus Update: Ontario Court of Appeal denies appeal (October 8 2010)
On October 8, 2010 the Court of Appeal of Ontario rendered its decision to dismiss the pension surplus appeals. Read more details at the FSNA National Office website.
Disability Tax Credits (October 1 2010)
Any person with a recognized disability is entitled to the disability tax credit in their federal income tax calculation. An example could be that you cannot walk a city block without stopping for a rest, or to allow the pain to subside etc. (Details of eligibility are available through CRA and on their website here.) If you have not been claiming this credit, you can contact Revenue Canada and request a re-assessment form called a “T1 Adjustment Request”. You can be eligible for reassessment for up to 10 years, and the tax refund will be based on the amount you have over-paid. Your doctor or other medial practitioner will need to certify your disability at their normal fee, expect this to cost around $30.00. Tax refunds are not taxable, however interest earned will be taxable.
There are companies that will assist you in preparing the paperwork necessary to request a reassessment. One such company is “Alisa Refunds”, based in Quebec. They charge 20% of any refund that is approved, and there is no charge if a refund is not attained. Their website is at http://www.alisarefunds.ca, and their phone number is 1-866-757-3386. (Information regarding Alisa Refunds is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation by the Ottawa Valley Branch of FSNA. One member of the Board of Directors did use this company to attain a re-assessment.)
Sun Life "Positive Enrollment" Started (August 15 2010)
Sun Life has started to mail forms to PSHCP Plan members so they can complete the "Positive Enrollment" procedure. Completing this procedure will make you eligible to receive the new PSHCP Benefit Card. The card will enable real-time processing of prescription drugs and certain other medical supplies purchased at a pharmacy, such as diabetic supplies.
You will be able to complete your positive enrollment by regular mail or on the Sun Life website at https://www.sunnet.sunlife.com/signin/getPage/en_CA/signin/gb_pe/pshcp/welcome.wca
Government Planning CPP Changes (March 27 2009)
The Financial Post says the federal government is planning changes to the CPP that would allow people to draw CPP cheques while still working. Read the article by Paul Vieira, dated March 25 2009.
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