Summer 2024
Updates from The Board
As the Pension and Benefits office has continued to progress in its communications by integrating new technology and systems, the office has started collaborating with other departments to streamline how members receive important information regarding their pension and benefits.
The Pension and Benefits Board met on March 19 for the annual spring meeting. The board reviewed the financial position of the pension plan and received up-to-date reports presented by the actuaries, the chief financial officer, the various sub-committees and the trustee board.
The Pension and Benefits Board brought forward multiple recommendations for the General Assembly to adopt. This included a cost-of-living increase for retirees, pre-retirement pension benefit improvements and an increase in benefits for mental health services. In collaboration with with the Trustee Board, a Funding and Benefits Policy was also brought as a recommendation for the General Assembly to adopt.
The Pension and Benefits Board is happy to announce that a cost-of-living increase of 3.9 percent will be granted to pensions in payment for at least one year as of January 1, 2025, as well as effective January 1, 2025, the existing preretirement frozen pensions earned for pensionable service on or before December 31, 2022, will be increased by 3.9 percent.
To access the board’s full report and recommendations to the 2022 General Assembly, visit the PCC website at: presbyterian.ca/gao/ga2024/reports-to-general-assembly
Your Benefits 101
The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s extended health and dental plan is a traditional benefit plan that provides coverage for a variety healthcare related expenses. The plan is an extension to provincial health coverage and is designed to assist plan members with providing some coverage towards a variety of out-of-pocket expenses not covered under your provincial plan.
Our insurer is through Sun Life
• Our Benefits year is January – December however, some benefit maximums reset by purchase date.
• Drugs should be billed directly with your Pay Direct Drug Card , but many dentists and paramedical services will bill directly on your behalf.
• Easiest way to submit claims is online at mysunlife.ca or through the Sun Life app.
• All claims are confidential.
• All claims for the previous year need to be received 60 days from the end of the benefit year.
• If you leave the plan, you can contact Sun Life to convert to an individual plan within 30 days without medical evidence for both Health and Dental and Life Insurance. Visit www.mysunlife.ca for more information.
Mental Health Coverage Update
Mental health coverage is one of the benefits available through the Sun Life program. With the continued need for mental health support, while recognizing the importance of good mental health, the board was asked through an overture to consider increasing the mental health benefit coverage. In 2022, the board conducted a thorough review of the coverage available as well as the cost for various levels of increases to the mental health benefit. The overture was passed during the 2022 General Assembly to increase the mental health coverage from $300 to $700 per year.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s extended health and dental plan is a traditional benefit plan that provides coverage for a variety healthcare related expenses. The plan is an extension to provincial health coverage and is designed to assist plan members with providing some coverage towards a variety of out-of-pocket expenses not covered under your provincial plan. In an effort to provide additional support to plan members through the Sun Life plan, the board has brought forward a new overture, requesting a further increase to the mental health coverage. Effective July 1, 2024, the current maximum of $700 per benefit year will increase to a new maximum of $1,500 per benefit year.
The list of practitioners covered under the policy include registered Clinical Counsellors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychotherapists, Psychoanalysts, Psychologists, and registered Social Workers. Updated benefit booklets will be available and posted to the Pension and Benefits webpage in July.
Is Your Contact Information Up To Date?
To help make sure you are always informed and to keep your records updated, we ask that you contact us with any changes to your information.
This includes:
- Changes to your address, phone number or email
- Life events that include marital status changes, birth, adoption or death
- A second contact or Power of Attorney
- Any changes that may include your beneficiaries
Lifelong Learning!
Life-long learning, no matter what the age, not only keeps the mind young and curious, but also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and decreases rates of depression and anxiety. In the age of accessible information for all, it can feel overwhelming trying to find free and reliable resources to continue learning. Here are 6 options that can help!
1. Your Library’s Workshops
Most public libraries offer a variety of free workshops or information sessions on various topics throughout the year. Visit your local library or hit up their website to find out what they have scheduled!
2. Podcasts and Audiobooks
Podcasts & audiobooks are convenient options for hands-free, on-the-go learning. Most libraries offer a huge selection of audiobooks that can be borrowed using a library card, and you can find access to free podcasts across multiple platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music & Podcast Addict.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is a fun way to experience hands-on learning. Through volunteering, such as at your local animal shelter or retirement home, you are not only helping by providing your time and care, you are gaining knowledge through socializing, experience and trying something new.
4. Learn a New Language
Learning a new language is a great way to continue learning and keep your mind sharp. From using free apps such as Duolingo, or watching TV shows and movies in another language, to borrowing books from the library, there are a variety of ways to learn a new language for free!
5. Free Night at the Museum
Many museums across the country offer free entry or discounted-rate visits once a month. Challenge yourself, friends or family by attending and picking one item in the museum to do further research on, then present your findings amongst each other!
6. Visit Your Local Historian
Do you have a burning question about the history of where you live? Cities and small towns across the country often have local historian or archivist that
may offer Open House days, where you can ask questions and view historical photos and documents for the surrounding areas.
Contact Us
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
50 Wynford Dr
Toronto ON M3C 1J7
Phone: 1-800-619-7301
www.presbyterian.ca
pension [at] presbyterian [dot] ca
Sun Life Customer Care Centre
Phone: 1-800-361-6212
www.mysunlife.ca
App: MySunLife
In Memory Of…
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rev. Robert K. Anderson
The Rev. Eunice M. Bisset The Rev. Diane E. Boyd The Rev. Evelyn M.I. Carpenter The Rev. Dong Suck Chung Mr. Gary C. Coombs The Rev. Roy D. Currie The Rev. Johan A. Eenkhoorn The Rev. W. James Farris Mrs. Wilda D. Fraser The Rev. Kim Chuan Goh The Rev. Judith L. A. Green The Rev. Michael J. Marsden Mrs. Mary A. McLaren |
Mrs. Esther Mezo
Mr. Kenneth J. Pearce Mrs. H. Joyce Pollock The Rev. Fredrick J. Reed Mrs. Ruth Rodney Mr. Philip B. Shrive Mrs. Adela Slavik Dr. Donald C. Smith Mrs. Barbara Suzanne Stevens Mrs. Marilyn M. Wheaton Mrs. Grace Whyte Mrs. Edith W. Williams The Rev. John D. Yoos |
Mrs. Sheila A. Cochrane
Dr. John H. Derksen The Rev. David s. Heath The Rev. Robert Hill The Rev. Dr. Andrew R. Irvine The Rev. Gunars J. Kravalis The Rev. Grace MacGillivray The Rev. Arthur Harry W. McWilliams Mrs. Frances D. Nugent Mrs. Lucia E. Marshall-Ritter Mrs. Dorothy M. Robertson Mrs. C. Joyce Robertson Ms. Madeline E. Simmonds |
Mrs. Lillian Y. Simms
Mrs. Isabel S. Smith The Rev. William C. Smyth The Rev. David W. Stewart The Rev. Charlotte M. Stuart Mrs. Mary L. Vanbodegom The Rev. Stanley Walters |
About this newsletter
This newsletter provides summary information about the Presbyterian Church in Canada pension and benefits plans. It is not intended to be complete or comprehensive,or to provide legal or medical advice. If there are any discrepancies between this bulletin and the wording in the legal documents that govern the plans, the legal documents will apply in all cases.