Prior Service Buyback for Reservists
Record of Reserve Service/Earnings - Purchase of Prior Reserve Service/Earnings
- Changes to the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act (CFSA) are expected to occur as of the CF Pension Plan ‘Coming Into Force’ (CIF) date. It is anticipated that members may be able to purchase prior pensionable earnings/service in order to enhance their pension value, increase protection for their survivors, and to augment their pensionable service, potentially allowing for an earlier retirement.
- The ‘Pension Services’ section will require pensionable service and earnings documentation to validate reserve service/earnings for members who are electing to purchase prior reserve service/earnings.
- It should be noted that CFSA pensionable income differs from taxable income and Canada Pension Plan income. As such, T-4 and Canada Pension Plan statements, while a good guideline for personal estimate purposes, are not acceptable in the determination of ‘prior pensionable service and earnings’.
- In order to be administratively prepared at CIF, anticipated to be 1 March 2007, it is recommended that CF members with previous reserve service start their research to acquire the necessary records as soon as possible. A source document checklist has been created to assist the CF member in his/her research.
- It is suggested that CF members should start their research efforts with the acquisition of any archived records which may apply to them. As a result of archiving guidelines currently in effect, many pay and attendance records prior to the automation of reserve pay may have been sent to Library and Archives Canada (LAC) by the various reserve units and headquarters. It is recommended that members visit the following LAC website for the procedure required to request military service information (index subject: CF after 1918) http://www.collectionscanada.ca/genealogy/022-909.007-e.html and complete the following LAC application for military service information http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/022/f2/022-909.007-e.pdf
- Further guidelines on this subject may be promulgated after Treasury Board approval of the regulations.
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