Past service purchases

While you are an active member of the Plan you may be eligible to purchase service for certain periods of past service that had not been credited under the Plan. Purchasing periods of past service will increase the amount of your pension and, in some cases, may allow you to retire earlier.

Effective December 31, 2006, the following types of service purchases are available:

1. Service (including any mandatory waiting period) under another pension plan if you no longer have benefits under that plan. You will be required to pay the full actuarial cost of this service. This purchase must be completed within one year of the date you join the Plan.
2. Service with an NSAHO employer before the employer participated in the NSAHO Pension Plan. You will be required to pay the full actuarial cost of this service. This purchase must be completed within one year of the date you join the Plan.
3. Service that was credited under the NSAHO Pension Plan before an earlier termination of employment, if you were re-employed with a Health Association Nova Scotia employer that participates in the Plan within five years of your earlier termination. You will be required to return all funds that were paid out, plus interest. This purchase must be completed within one year of the date you join the Plan.
4. Approved leaves of absence, layoff and maternity and parental leaves. You will be required to pay the full actuarial cost of this service.

For further information, or to request a quote for the cost to purchase past service, please email us at pastservicepurchases@nsaho.ns.ca or call us at (902) 832-8500 or 1-866-400-4400 for long distance toll free.