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Process Workflow
This section provides specific details in respect of the division of pension benefits process workflow and associated time frame.
While we intend to process requests within the specified time frame, in some cases, the process may be delayed for reasons beyond our control. Some possible reasons for delays are:
- Your request for an estimate or application for division is incomplete and/or supporting documents are missing;
- Difficulty in obtaining information from the spouse or former spouse/common-law partner; or
- Difficulty in obtaining information from the plan member's current employer; or
- Difficulty in obtaining information from the financial institution(s).
Refer to the following sections, Request for Estimate or Application for Division, to learn more about each specific process workflow and associated time frames:
Information Requests -
Division of Pension Benefits
You are interested in receiving information related to the division of pension benefits
WHAT DOES AN APPLICANT DO?
Consult the Division of Pension Benefits Package for general information related to the division process.
WHEN DOES AN APPLICANT DO IT?
Anytime
WHAT DOES AN APPLICANT DO?
Contact the Public Service Pension Centre for additional information.
WHEN DOES AN APPLICANT DO IT?
As required.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Provide the applicant with general information on the division of pension benefits.
WHEN DO WE DO IT?
Phone call inquiries: Returns phone calls within 48 hours
Written inquiries: Replies to written requests within five working days of receiving all required documentation
Estimate Requests -
Pension Benefits Division Amount
You are interested in receiving an estimate of the amount allowable for division
WHAT DOES AN APPLICANT DO?
Request an estimate of the maximum transferable amount allowed for division. This step is optional as an application for division may be made without an estimate.
Refer to the Request for Estimate section for specific instructions, including required documents and forms.
WHEN DOES AN APPLICANT DO IT?
Anytime before proceeding with an application for the division of the pension benefits.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Provide the applicant with a pension benefits report, which includes the estimate of the maximum transferable amount allowed for division.
WHEN DO WE DO IT?
Within five working days of receiving all required documents and forms.
Note: There may be delays for reasons beyond our control. As an example, a service standard of seven working days has been established with the plan member's current employer, when additional information is required to process the estimate request.
Application for Division of the Plan Member's Pension Benefits
You are interested in applying for a division of the pension benefits
WHAT DOES AN ELIGIBLE APPLICANT DO?
Apply for a division of the pension benefits.
Refer to the Application for Divisionsection for specific instructions, including required documents and forms.
WHEN DOES AN ELIGIBLE APPLICANT DO IT?
Anytime after separation or divorce.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Validate the application for division and supporting documents.
Forward a letter to the applicant and non-applicant confirming receipt and acceptance of an application for a division of the pension benefits. The non-applicant will also be notified about the objection period
Note: The above mentioned letter will include instructions regarding the forms to be completed by the recipient and the chosen institution to process the transfer:
Form T2151 E titled "Direct Transfer of a Single Amount Under Subsection 147(19) or Section 147.3"; and
Form PWGSC-TPGSC 2347-18 titled "Certification of Lock-in for Purposes of the Public Service Superannuation Act or the Pension Benefits Division Act".
Request relevant documentation from the plan member's current employer.
WHEN DO WE DO IT?
Within 30 days from date of receipt of the application for division.
WHAT CAN A NON-APPLICANT DO?
File an objection to the division of pension benefits.
Refer to the Notification and Objection section for details pertaining to the approved grounds for objection.
WHEN CAN A NON-APPLICANT DO IT?
Within 90 days from the notification letter.
WHAT CAN A NON-APPLICANT DO?
Waive rights to object to the division (in writing).
Refer to the Notification and Objection section for details.
WHEN CAN A NON-APPLICANT DO IT?
Anytime after having received the notification letter.
Once the objection period has expired and no objection has been received, the division will be processed as follows:
WHAT DO WE DO?
Calculate and transfer the division payment to the recipient's chosen institution.
Refer to the Division and Payment section for details.
Forward a notification letter to the applicant, non-applicant and chosen financial institution, confirming that the payment process has been completed.
WHEN DO WE DO IT?
Within 120 days of receipt of an application or within 45 days of receipt of all required documents and forms.
If the non-applicant submits an objection, we will do the following:
WHAT DO WE DO?
Validate the objection to the division.
If the objection is valid, a letter is sent to the objector and to the applicant, informing both parties that the division of the pension benefits is suspended until the objector submits an amended Court Order or written Agreement.
If the objection is invalid, a letter explaining the reasons for the rejection is sent to the objector and the application for division of the pension benefits is processed.
WHEN DO WE DO IT?
Within 15 days from the date of receipt of the objection to the division.