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Member FAQ

1. Can I transfer funds from another registered pension plan into the Plan?

Yes. If you are a member of the CSS Pension Plan you can transfer-in funds from another registered pension plan (RPP), Locked-in Retirement Account (LIRA) or Locked-in RRSP.

The first step to transfer-in any pension funds is to complete an Application to Transfer-in Locked-in Funds form and submit it to the CSS Pension Plan, along with a copy of your most recent statement from the other RPP, LIRA or Locked-in RRSP. Once we receive these documents, we will send you the appropriate forms to sign and forward to the other RPP or financial institution.

If the CSS Pension Plan has a reciprocal agreement with the other pension plan we will also recognize your service under the other plan, which can affect your early retirement date. Contact us to see if a reciprocal agreement exists.

2. Can I transfer RRSPs into the CSS Pension Plan?

Inactive members of the CSS Pension Plan (i.e., members who are no longer contributing to the Plan) have the option to transfer-in RRSP funds if they wish. Such RRSP funds are treated as non-locked-in funds in the member’s account. Our policy also allows retiring allowance RRSP funds to be transferred-in (see question 3 below).

If you are currently contributing to the Plan, our policy does not allow you to transfer-in RRSP funds; however, you have the option to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) as a means of contributing extra funds to your pension account.

For more information, please contact us.

3. Can I transfer a retiring allowance or severance package into the Plan?

If you receive a retiring allowance or severance package from an employer member of the CSS Pension Plan, it can be tax sheltered (up to the CRA retiring allowance limits) and transferred to the CSS Pension Plan.

Your first step in this process is to set up an RRSP with a financial institution. You and your employer must then complete a TD2 form to transfer the retiring allowance/severance package to this RRSP. Then using a T2033 provided by the CSS Pension Plan, this RRSP can then be transferred to the CSS Pension Plan (NOTE: a copy of the TD2 must accompany the T2033 to the Pension Plan).

4. Can I withdraw or transfer my funds from the CSS Pension Plan?

Yes, but before you can do so you must no longer be working for any employer member of the Plan. See leaving your employment for more information.

5. How is my RRSP contribution limit affected by Plan contributions?

RRSP contribution room for the current year is based on:

Your previous year’s earned income, less the amount you and your employer contributed to the CSS Pension Plan
Any unused RRSP contribution room carried forward from previous years

In other words, the amount that was contributed to the CSS Pension Plan last year reduces this year’s RRSP contribution limit. So the amount that you and your employer contribute to the Pension Plan this year will reduce your RRSP contribution limit for next year.

6. What happens to my pension funds in the case of a relationship breakdown?

Pension laws in each province and territory oversee the division of pension funds upon relationship breakdown. See changing your marital status for more information.

7. How do I apply for a monthly pension or Variable Benefits (VB) payments from the Plan?

See accessing your funds for information on starting a retirement income through the Plan.

8. How do I change the direct deposit account for my monthly pension or VB payments?

Send us a blank cheque marked "VOID" for the account that you want the monthly payment deposited to. Or, you can complete and return a Direct Deposit of Variable Benefits/Monthly Pension form.

9. How do I increase the amount of income tax deducted from my monthly pension payment?

Complete a TD3: Request for Income Tax Deduction and submit it to the CSS Pension Plan.

10. How do I apply for a possible reduction in the non-resident witholding tax?

As a non-resident, under section 217 of the Canadian Income Tax Act it may be beneficial for you to elect to pay tax at the same rate as Canadian residents on your Canadian source pensions and income.

To determine if such an election is beneficial, you must complete an NR5: Application by a Non-Resident of Canada for a Reduction in the Amount of Non-Resident Tax Required to be Withheld. If you have questions, contact the International and Ottawa Tax Services Office.

11. Where can I find my Member ID number?

All CSS Pension Plan members are assigned a Member ID. You can find your Member ID number on the first page of your annual statement or by logging into your myCSSPEN account. If you just joined the Plan and do not have an annual statement yet, your Member ID will be mailed to you.

If you do not know your Member ID number, please contact us at 1-844-4CSSPEN. You will be asked specific questions based on your Plan profile to verify your identity before we provide you with your Member ID.

12. How do I designate a beneficiary?

The nature of your beneficiary designation depends on several factors, such as whether you are receiving a retirement income, and whether or not you have a spouse.

For more information about designating a beneficiary according to your situation, please see arranging survivor benefits.

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CSS Pension Plan
PO Box 1850
Fifth floor, 333 - 3rd Ave. N.
Saskatoon, SK S7K 3S2

Phone: (306) 477-8500
Toll-free: 1-844-427-7736
Fax: (306) 244-1088

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5. How is my RRSP contribution limit affected by Plan contributions?​​

​7. How do I apply for a monthly pension or Variable Benefits (VB) ​payments from the Plan?​​​

8. How do I change the direct deposit account for my monthly pension or VB payments?​

5. How is my RRSP contribution limit affected by Plan contributions?

7. How do I apply for a monthly pension or Variable Benefits (VB) payments from the Plan?

8. How do I change the direct deposit account for my monthly pension or VB payments?