Q. How do I change my status within CUSW to retired?

A. Retiring Members can contact the CUSW National Office and inform the staff that you are officially retired. They will update your status to Retiree, and you will remain a Member in good standing. NOTE:  If you do not call in within five months of retiring, you will be notified that you are in arrears on your dues and placed on withdrawal status (unless you send in the necessary amount owing).

Q. Can I continue with my PSBT coverage for myself and my family?

A. Yes. Your benefits will continue after you retire at the same coverage that you had when you were working. Once your account balance accumulated from your work contributions is used up, you will be notified by the Benefit Trust and given the opportunity to pay your premiums directly to maintain your coverage.

Q. Is there reduced coverage available to members that have requested Retiree status?

A. Yes. For officially retired Members 65 and older, an Optional Benefits Package is available with the Power Sector Benefit Trust (PSBT). To obtain an Optional Benefit Application and selection form, contact the the PSBT office and let them know you have changed your status to Retiree and they will provide you with the package. This Optional Benefit Package allows the Retired Member to select a package of reduced Plan Benefits with the types of coverage that they want to include. Life Insurance is mandatory as apart of every package.

Q. When does out-of-province/country coverage end for family members under TravelAssist?

A. Out of Province/Country coverage will cease for the Plan Member and their Dependents on the 75th Birthday of the Plan Member.

Click here to download the TravelAssist booklet.

Q. What happens to my active PSBT coverage if I pass away as a Retired Member?

A. The PSBT Benefit Plan provides "Survivor Spouse" benefits when an retired member on Family coverage dies. Their eligible spouse and other dependant(s) coverage that is in effect at the time of death will remain in place and continue for two years at no cost to the surviving spouse and dependant(s). After the two year period, the spouse will have the option to become a Power Sector Benefit Trust member and continue coverage in their own name using the Member's accumulated fund account until it runs out. After that, should the member (spouse) wish to continue purchasing benefits on a Pay Direct basis this option is available through the Power Sector Benefit Trust Fund.

The above also applies to Pay-Direct Members of the Plan (whereby you pay your monthly premium directly to the Power Sector Benefit Trust). The spouse will have the option to become a Member of the Power Sector Benefit Trust (PSBT) and continue purchasing benefits on a Pay Direct basis.

Q. Who can I contact if I have more questions?

A. If you can't find what you're looking for on these pages, contact Archie Wallace: phone: 905-697-1793; email: [email protected].

Important: All of the above is provided as informational only. Any discrepancies between the above content and the Benefits Booklet(s), the booklet(s) are deemed accurate.

Click here to download your relevant Benefits booklet.