All teachers under contract with school jurisdictions and charter schools in Alberta are required to contribute to their pension plan, as per the Teachers’ Pension Plans Act. The Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF) administers these plans.
It’s never too early to think about retirement
Retiring is one of the most important decisions you will make—start planning as early as you can!
Retirement workshops
The ATA offers several workshops about retirement and financial planning. These workshops occur throughout each school year and are listed on the events calendar
Early Service Teachers: Understand Your Pension
Online evening workshop
This evening retirement information session offers general information on the Alberta teachers’ pension plan, planning personal savings, Federal benefits and other retirement income sources for early service teachers. The session’s focus is on forward planning early in a teacher’s career, while emphasizing debt reduction and savings planning. Pension partners are also encouraged to attend.
Pre-Retirement Workshop
Full-day Saturday session
Together, teachers and their pension partner will explore planning for retirement, the changing character of retirement and the process of making important decisions. Teachers will learn about financial and lifestyle planning before, during and after retirement from a teacher’s perspective. They will investigate various aspects of retiring, including building a financial plan, the Alberta Teachers’ Pension Plan, wills and estates, benefits and lifestyle planning for a successful and rewarding retirement.
Retirement Planning for Women
Online workshop
This session will focus on retirement planning for female teachers. Women and men face different challenges in their lives, and those challenges can have financial consequences. Women live longer, which means they will likely spend more years alone; therefore, they will need more retirement savings, so they don’t outlive their money. Teachers will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive workshop, which aims to improve women’s financial literacy and confidence.
Financial Wellness with Capital Planning and MNP Debt Management
Online workshop
This is an education-focused session on investments, financial risks and debt management. The session provides tools to take control of your financial wellness: (1) how to start saving, (2) easy steps on where to put your money and when to invest and (3) some budgeting tips. You will also learn how to understand and take action on possible financial gaps, such as what to do if things go wrong. In the event of financial trouble and rising debt, learn how to set yourself up for survival and success, even in tough economic times.
Considering early retirement?
One year from your planned retirement date
- Run your pension estimate by logging into MyPension with your pension provider, the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF). MyPension Online Portal - Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)
- The information in your pension estimate under MyPension should be up-to-date (dependent upon your employer’s download of data to the ATRF). While there, play with different dates and determine what your best retirement date will be. Pension Information Statements - Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)
- If your pension amount isn’t what you expect, contact ATRF to determine why those discrepancies exist. For example, perhaps you had some leave periods (parental, maternity or other leaves) or other gaps where your years of service don’t mesh with your own numbers. Find out how/if you can purchase that service back.
- Determine if you need to purchase service or arrange a service transfer, for example, if you have service with another defined benefit plan, such as a federal or provincial government body. These take time to finalize. Make sure you’re aware of the deadlines. Contact ATRF for help. Transferring Pension Service - Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF) | Purchasing Service - Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)
Start planning with ATRF
120 to 45 days prior to retirement
Review and complete the Steps to Retirement checklist
- Before you apply for your pension, you must resign from your teaching contract. The Education Act requires you to give your employer at least 30 days’ written notice of your intention to resign. The 30 days’ notice must be received during the school year. If you intend to retire by August 31, you must give your notice by June 1.
- Apply for retiree benefits from one of the retiree plans: ASEBP or the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA). If your division offers another retirement plan, do your own comparison of the plans to choose the best one that suits your needs. Please note that most benefits providers require 45–50 days for this process. You cannot complete the benefits application without involving your employer.
- Contact ATRF to apply for your pension. Applications are processed in the order received, so you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible but no more than 120 days before your pension commencement date.
