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Whether you are just starting your career, or plan to retire in the near future, it's important to understand how your pension plan works and where you can go for more information about it.
As the regulator of registered pension plans in Ontario, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) has compiled the following information to help you learn more about the retirement income system and your pension plan.
How FSCO Regulates Pension Plans
Read about FSCO's responsibilities relating to registered pension plans in Ontario.
The Retirement Income System
Get information on the different types of retirement income systems and pension plans that are available to Ontarians.
Life Events
Find out how your pension benefits may be affected if you lose your job, take a leave of absence, die, retire early, postpone retirement, or become unemployed because your employer went bankrupt.
Additional Pension Resources
Access a list of helpful resources on FSCO's website and other government websites that will help you learn more about pensions.
Getting Information About Your Pension Plan
Learn how to request information from your plan administrator and/or FSCO, what information your plan administrator must provide, how to make a Freedom of Information request, questions you should ask about your pension plan, and how to contact FSCO.
How Registered Pension Plans Work
Learn about the different types of registered pension plans, how to become a plan member, how contributions are made, vesting and locking in of pension benefits, the roles of the plan administrator and pension plan advisory committee, what happens when a plan is terminated or wound up, and how the Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund may guarantee payment of certain pension benefits.
Glossary
Read brief definitions of pension terms that are used in this online pension guide.
This online pension guide attempts to explain the minimum standards that apply to registered pension plans in Ontario. It is not a legal document, a comprehensive description of all minimum standards, or a guide to the details of any particular pension plan. Pension plans vary in the benefits they provide to employees and some offer more than what minimum legal standards require. For details about your specific pension plan, please contact your pension plan administrator. If this guide conflicts with the Pension Benefits Act or its regulations, it is the legislation which must be followed.
For more information on pensions, refer to our list of additional resources.
If you have a question regarding the Pension Benefits Act, the processes and services provided by FSCO, or general inquiries related to pension plans, please use the following contact information:
Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO)
5160 Yonge Street
P.O. Box 85
Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6L9
Telephone: (416) 250-7250
Toll free: 1-800-668-0128
Fax: (416) 590-7070
TTY: 1-800-387-0584
Email: contactcentre@fsco.gov.on.ca