Plan Enrollment—Canadian Armed Forces pensions

This package provides new and re-enrolled Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members with general information that is of particular importance on joining the Regular or Reserve Force pension plans as well as drawing attention to parts of the plans that are time-sensitive.

The information in this package provides information specific to:

You are required to acknowledge your enrolment in the Regular or Reserve Force pension plan using the Enrolment Information and Acknowledgement of Plan Membership (CF-FC 571-PF) form provided with the Plan Enrolment Package (which will be provided to you when you become a plan member) and to supply additional information.

Additional information includes:

Acknowledgement of plan membership is a mandatory requirement. Ensure you read and understand all the information provided by the Pension Centre prior to proceeding.

Administrative process

The Plan Enrolment Package will be mailed to you using the address we have on file. This package includes:

Upon receipt of your enrolment package, if you do not understand the content or agree with the effective date of plan membership, you may contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre for clarification of the information provided or for assistance in completing the required documentation. It is also recommended that you carefully read the welcome orientation information kit.

Additional information for new plan members can be found on Your Canadian Armed Forces Pension Web portal, under the Active member audience specific to your plan, within the New to the Forces life event.

If you do not receive a Plan Enrolment Package within two months of the date you feel you were eligible to join a Canadian Armed Forces pension plan, please contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

Plan enrolment and acknowledgment form

Acknowledgement of plan membership is a mandatory requirement.

You must complete and sign the "Enrolment Information and Acknowledgement of Plan Membership" (CF-FC 571-PF) form and return it to the Government of Canada Pension Centre in order to acknowledge receipt of your "Notification of Plan Membership".

Note

The "Enrolment Information and Acknowledgement of Plan Membership" (CF-FC 571-PF) form must only be completed and sent once you have received the "Notification of Plan Membership".

Important documents

As a contributor under the Regular Force Pension Plan or a participant under the Reserve Force Pension Plan, your family may be entitled to survivor benefits upon your death. If you are a parent, or become a parent, provide copies of your child(ren)'s birth certificate(s) to the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

Documents relating to children such as birth certificates, adoption papers, evidence of guardianship are required to establish eligibility to children's benefits. Your children who are less than age 18 or who are between the ages of 18 and 25 and are in full time attendance at an educational institution may be entitled to children's benefits after your death.

You may also want to provide any documents relating to your marital status such as your marriage certificate, a certificate of divorce, or documents proving common-law status, such as a letter confirming your common-law relationship. Keep documentation that confirms your ongoing common-law relationship, such as income tax returns and bills, as your marital status at the time of your death must be confirmed. Providing the Pension Centre with these documents will allow faster processing of any benefits payable.

Documents should be forwarded by fax or mail to the Government of Canada Pension Centre as soon as you become a plan member and also if your personal situation changes. Remember to include your Service Number or pension number on all correspondence.

Documents which may be required are:

Additional and detailed information for new plan members about the Regular and Reserve Force pension plans can be found on Your Canadian Armed Forces Pension Web portal, under the "Life Events" for the Active member audience specific to your plan. As different Life Events occur throughout your career, other documentation may be required. The Pension Centre will request such documentation as needed.

Discrepancies and name changes

The Pension Centre will request additional documentation such as a statutory declaration if there is a discrepancy between the name appearing on your file and the name appearing on documents that you may have forwarded.

You may contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre to obtain the Statutory Declaration for Name Discrepancies (ADM 165.1).

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