Employer Monthly - September Issue
In this issue of OMERS Employer Monthly you’ll find details about our upcoming OMERS Employer Education Week, resources to share with members, a reminder about the annual attestation process and much more.
OMERS Employer Education Week begins October 26th!
Mark your calendars for OMERS first-ever Employer Education Week that will take place the week of October 26th. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this brand-new virtual conference presented by the familiar faces of the OMERS Education & Training team. Over the course of this free week-long event, you’ll have the opportunity and flexibility to choose the sessions in which you wish to participate.
We’ve got you covered with popular topics such as Navigating Through the New e-access, Advanced Disabilities, Funding Status & Principles featuring OMERS Actuarial Services, and more. Curious about what else is happening at OMERS? We’ll be discussing the impact of COVID-19, sharing insights from our OMERS Infrastructure investment team and in addition, there will be an opportunity for you to join us for a Fireside Chat with our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. James Aw.
You will also have the opportunity to network with fellow administrators from across the province and attend an employer panel discussion where they will share best practices and lessons learned. There’s sure to be something for all experience and business levels, so please share the event details with your colleagues.
For registration and a detailed look at the itinerary for OMERS Employer Education Week, please click the link below.
We’re excited to connect with you virtually!
Do you or your employees have questions about upcoming Plan changes?
With the upcoming amendments to the OMERS Primary Pension Plan (Plan) that become effective as of January 1, 2021, we’ve included a resource you can download and share with your employees to remind them of the changes and to share where they can find helpful FAQs.
The amendments include:
eliminating the 35-year cap for credited service; and
allowing an employer the option to provide normal retirement age 60 (NRA 60) benefits to all or a class of paramedics. For unionized employees, NRA 60 benefits are subject to negotiation between employers and unions.
We encourage you to share the resource below via your intranet or your preferred communication channel.
Employer administration and reporting
As an employer, it is essential that your payroll system is set up to continue contributions for members who will reach 35 years of credited service on or after January 1, 2021.
You’ll receive a report that will indicate the members who are expected to reach 35 years of credited service in 2020 and 2021. Credited service for members reaching this milestone in 2021 will not be capped and contributions should continue to be remitted. Any member who does not reach 35 years of credited service on or before December 31, 2020, will continue to contribute and accrue service in the Plan.
Updating our communication practices
In response to legislative changes, and to better serve our members, starting January 1, 2021, we are updating our communication practices by moving to electronic communications. This update will make it easier than ever for members to receive timely information about their OMERS pension.
If a member does not currently receive electronic copies of the pension information that we are required to send, such as their annual pension statement, they will receive a notice in the mail later this year that will outline how this change will affect them and provide them with information on how to update their communication preferences in myOMERS.
We’ll be sharing more information about communication practices and our effort to go digital in the coming weeks and months.
Action required: The annual attestation process
The annual attestation process is underway, and we need your help to ensure that you have completed the attestation by September 30, 2020. The attestation document and confirmation of your registered e-access users has been sent to the senior management official of your organization. Please complete these documents as soon as possible. If you have any questions, contact us using the information at the bottom of this page.
Thank you to those who have completed the attestation process!
Administering the disability benefit
OMERS provides benefits for members who are considered totally disabled under the terms of the Plan.
All employers must notify OMERS once the disability elimination period is fulfilled (i.e., submit a Request for an OMERS Plan benefit – e-Form 143), which happens when the member reaches the first day of the fifth month following the date of
disability.
OMERS will then reach out to members directly to let them know what information they need to provide for OMERS to assess their eligibility for a benefit.
We encourage you to refer to Section 13 of the Employer Administration Manual for helpful tips and detailed step-by-step instructions regarding the disability application and benefit determination.
You can also learn more by registering for a webinar on this topic.
Disability Administration Part 1: Disability Leave Period (e-Form 165)
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EST
In-Conversation: OMERS Community panel discussion
Earlier this month, we held a virtual panel about COVID-19 and its impact on the community. The discussion focused on prevention, health and wellness, as well as support services available to our members and communities. If you missed the virtual panel, you can find a recording of the event on OMERS Community.
Reminder: There’s still time to take the Employer Satisfaction Survey
We recently reached out to ask for your feedback. Whether it’s about a recent interaction with OMERS or a suggestion on how we can better work together, it’s important for us to hear your feedback on a regular basis. Doing so allows us to improve how we work with you. Fill out the survey today by clicking the link below. It will only take you a few minutes to complete – we appreciate your feedback.
Sign up for our administration webinars
Our webinars will provide you with a deeper understanding of OMERS administration topics and procedures.
Upcoming webinars (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT)
Member Events (e-Form 143) – Thursday, October 15
Enrolment, Part 1: Theory – Tuesday, October 20
Enrolment, Part 2: Enrolling a Member (e-Form 102) – Wednesday, October 21
See more webinars and register today!
We’re here to help. Contact Employer Services
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: +1 416.350.6750
Toll-free: +1 833.884.0389
Email: employerservices@omers.com
Thank you for helping us administer the Plan and deliver a wonderful experience to our members.
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