Depending on the type of leave (medical, maternity, parental, unpaid, layoff, etc.), you may choose during the leave to:
- Pay your contributions, or
- Pay both your contributions and the employer’s contributions, or
- Opt not to pay contributions – in turn, affecting your length of service
The amount that you will contribute is determined by the type of leave you are taking. Two years is the maximum length you may contribute to the SPP while on leave.
By paying the contributions, you can maintain your pension while on unpaid leave for a maximum of two years, except for those that are on Disability Benefit Program (DBP)/Income Replacement Plan (IRP) as there is no maximum of years for Long Term Disability (LTD) plans. This may or may not be to your advantage.
If you are planning a leave, it is recommended that you contact the UBC Pension Administration Office to discuss how your pension benefits will be affected.
Learn more about your benefits coverage while on a leave.
Away from Work on the Disability Benefit Program (DBP) / Income Replacement Plan (IRP)
If you are an SPP member and are approved for the Disability Benefit Program (DBP)/Income Replacement Plan (IRP), you can continue to accrue pensionable service for as long as you are on DBP/IRP.
If your DBP/IRP leave begins on or after July 1, 2009, you are responsible for paying both your portion of the contributions and the University’s contributions for each month (or portion) you are on the leave/layoff.
If your DBP/IRP leave began before July 1, 2009, you do not need to contribute while on DBP/IRP.
Maternity/Parental Leave of Absence
In order to maintain your pension benefits you will be responsible for making your required contributions for each month (or portion) you are on your leave. The University will continue to pay their portion while you are on leave.
Returning from a Leave of Absence or Layoff
If you chose to suspend your pension during a leave of absence or lay-off, Payroll will reinstate your benefits automatically and deductions will resume as normal.
It is important that you review your pay cheque to ensure your required pension contributions have been deducted. If the contributions have not been deducted, please contact the UBC Pension Administration Office immediately.
More Information
Please review our Leaves of Absence Information Sheet for further information as well as learn more about your benefits coverage while on a leave.