Near the end of 2021, the Plan’s Governors passed two amendments that change the definition of “Child” and “Disabled” in the CAAT Pension Plan Text.
These amendments came into effect December 1, 2021. These amendments are positive for Plan members and beneficiaries, as they broaden the definition of who qualifies as a dependent child for survivor benefits paid from the CAAT Plan, and who can qualify as disabled under the DBprime plan design. These Plan Text amendments do not change the pension you are earning or receiving, and no action is required by you.

Change to definition of a Child for pre- and post-retirement survivor benefits

The change to the definition of “Child” under both the DBprime and DBplus Plan designs expands who can qualify for survivor benefits. In addition to a dependent child under the age of 18, the definition now also includes a) dependent children who are under age 25 and attending an educational institution, and b) dependent adult children who are unable to support themselves due to a disability, provided that such child became disabled prior to age 18 (or age 25, if they were attending an educational institution). The change to the definition of Child impacts pre and post retirement survivor benefits. For pre-retirement survivor benefits, it will apply if a member or former member dies on or after December 1, 2021 without an eligible spouse and their jurisdiction of employment was Ontario or Nova Scotia. The expanded definition of child applies to post-retirement survivor benefits for retired members who were employed across Canada.

Change to definition of “Disabled” under DBprime

The definition of “Disabled” under the DBprime plan design was changed to remove the requirement that a member must be receiving benefits from an employer’s long-term disability plan. This change applies to any member whose disability starts or continues on or after December 1, 2021. In most cases the Plan will continue to be able to rely on receipt of benefits from an LTD plan as evidence of disability. However, Plan staff will now be able to have an independent review carried out on claims for the disability waiver under DBprime in situations where the claim is questioned, a lump sum payment has been made, the member has been denied coverage, or the member does not have coverage. This change does not apply to the DBplus plan design.

More information will be shared with members as Plan staff develop processes and update Plan documents.