Returning to work after retiring is an individual decision. For some, returning to work makes economic sense. On the other hand, some retirees return to work simply because they enjoy it. Retirement may allow the chance to follow a new career path or pursue hobbies and interests which can turn into income-generating enterprises.
Planning for post-retirement employment involves determining the possible impact on your other sources of retirement income. If you would like to return to the workforce, you should consider the following:
Under the Income Tax Act:
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You are not allowed to contribute to and collect from the same pension plan at the same time.
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Your pension plan contributions must cease no later than December 1st of the year in which you turn 71 years old. At this time, you must begin drawing your pension, even if you are still working.
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You cannot contribute to the PSSP if you retired with at least 35 years of pensionable service with the PSSP.
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Your employment earnings may affect the amount of income tax you are required to pay each year.
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When you become eligible to collect your Old Age Security (OAS) benefit at age 65, your overall income may surpass the OAS threshold. If that is the case, your OAS benefit may be subject to a "clawback" and you could be obliged to repay some or all of your benefit.
If you return to work with an employer who participates in the PSSP, please contact us to determine if your pension payment will be affected.
If you return to work for an employer who does not participate in the PSSP, you can continue to collect your PSSP pension as well as your income from employment. It is important to know that once you have started to receive your PSSP pension, you no longer have the option to transfer your PSSP pensionable service to another pension plan.