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Events that may affect your pension
A life change could impact your pension. To help you make an informed decision, ask your plan administrator for details. You can also find information here.
Common questions
I need money. Can I get it from my pension?
The money in your pension plan can only be used for retirement income, with some exceptions. See Dealing with financial hardship.
My employer might be going bankrupt. Is my pension safe?
Your pension plan is required to have a pension fund that is separate from your employer’s business assets. The pension fund can only be used to pay the pensions provided by the plan. If your employer goes bankrupt and the pension fund does not have enough money to pay all the pensions, the Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund (PBGF) may protect some of your benefits if you were employed in Ontario. See Member Guide: My employer is bankrupt. What does that mean for my workplace pension plan?
My marriage is ending. What should I do about my pension?
If you’re ending your relationship, you and your former spouse will need to decide whether to divide your pension assets. See Pensions and marriage breakdown – a guide for members and their spouses.
Is my pension enough to retire on?
Your pension may be a significant financial asset for your retirement. However, each person’s circumstances are different. You should consult your financial professional to make this determination.
How do I learn more about my pension?
If you have questions about the specific terms of your pension plan and what you are entitled to, you should contact your plan administrator. If you are not sure who that is, use our Pension Plan Information database.
What FSRA can do
- Explain, generally, how pension plans or pension legislation work
- Help you to obtain documents related to your pension plan
- Provide you with forms to unlock your pension or split your pension with your separated spouse
- Monitor pension plans through filings and reports
- Enforce the requirements of the Pension Benefits Act and Regulation
- Review and respond to complaints
What FSRA can’t do
- Determine the benefits you are entitled to
- Give you information about a pension plan other than the plan you’re in, or about other members of your pension plan
- Provide advice on taxes, family law, investment decisions or what to do with your pension when you leave your employer
- Answer questions about the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan or other government programs or pensions that are not registered with FSRA
When to contact your plan administrator
If you have questions or concerns about the terms of your pension plan or what benefits you’re entitled to, contact your plan administrator.
How to handle concerns about your pension plan
If you have questions or concerns about your pension plan, your first point of contact should be your plan administrator. If you can’t resolve the issue with your plan administrator or prefer to come to FSRA directly, you can reach out to us.
- How to contact your plan administrator about a pension concern
- How to request official documents from FSRA about your pension plan
If you’ve gone through these steps and the issue isn’t resolved, you may wish to file a complaint with FSRA.
Enforcement and monitoring
We take our responsibilities to protect you very seriously. View our most recent enforcement and monitoring information.
Engagement and consultation
We work with a Consumer Advisory Panel that provides a consumer perspective on proposed FSRA policy changes. View our engagement and consultation information.
Useful resources
Member guides
Member Guide: You terminated employment. What is a Commuted Value?
A guide for employers - Communicating the value of your pension plan
Member Guide: My employer is bankrupt. What does that mean for my workplace pension plan?
Member guide for defined contribution pension plans
Information about retirement basics and defined contribution pension plans (Canadian Association of Pension Plan Supervisory Authorities)
Understanding Decumulation Products
This Information Guidance identifies new and existing products that plan members can use to draw down on their savings during their retirement while not outliving those savings.
Government benefits
Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
A provincial benefit you may be eligible for if you’re an Ontario low-income senior.
Old Age Security (OAS)
A federal benefit you can receive if you are 65 years or older and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
A federal benefit you may be eligible for if you are an Old Age Security recipient with low income.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
A pension plan administered by the federal government.
Tools and calculators
These tools require you to input certain information (e.g., age, annual income current retirement savings rate etc.) to help you estimate your retirement income. You should not rely solely on these results for financial planning.
Government of Canada financial tools and calculators
This site provides a retirement calculator and other financial planning tools.
Government of Quebec SimulR
A simplified tool for simulating retirement income.
Government of Quebec CompuPension
An advanced tool for simulating your retirement income.
Other resources
FSRA’s Financial Planners and Financial Advisors
Tips on using a financial planner or financial advisor and what you need to know.
Get Smarter About Money
Financial tools to help you make better financial decisions (Ontario Securities Commission)
People for Pensions
Provides key resources about the value of defined benefit pensions (OPTrust)
Expert Corner
Industry experts share insights and tips to help you make informed decisions (HOOPP)
Canada Revenue Agency
Tax information for savings and pension plans.
Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)
A pension plan administered by the Quebec government. QPP is the equivalent of the CPP for workers that worked in Quebec.