Top Member Questions

1.  myOMERS  is an easy and convenient way to update your address, email and other information – it’s available 24/7 and it takes just a few minutes.
2. Or, you can sign and submit a Changing Information (retired member/survivor) form to OMERS.
3. Call OMERS Member Services and please provide the following information:
   • your full name
   • your OMERS reference number (or social insurance number)
   • your previous/present address and phone number
   • your email address
   • your new address and phone number, and the effective date.

You can elect and begin to receive an early retirement pension the month following your early retirement birthday. (Depending on how many years you’ve been in the OMERS Plan, you’ll be entitled to either an unreduced pension or a reduced pension.)

• Visit myOMERS.com to review and update your beneficiary online.
• Print and complete the Beneficiary information form, and fax or mail it to OMERS.
• Send us a letter requesting a change of beneficiary. Be sure to include your name, OMERS membership or reference number, your new beneficiary(ies), % of benefit (total 100%), your employer’s name and your signature.

When calculating your “best five” earnings, we use your highest 60 consecutive months of contributory earnings. Therefore, if you only see (for example) 10 months in the first year, then you will see two months in the last year, which will complete your best 60 months.

Your estimate is based on earnings and service reported by your employer. We also estimate future earnings and service based on what has been previously reported. Your estimate may change as new information is provided by your employer.

One important factor is your comfort level regarding investment risk. If you keep your pension with OMERS, you are entitled to a stream of future pension income for life. If you choose to transfer your OMERS pension out of the Plan, you assume all responsibility for the management and risk of your investment. There may be additional costs related to your investment and you may not be able to tax-shelter these funds. 

Also, keep in mind that your OMERS pension comes with survivor benefits. You should also think about estate planning, life expectancy and other important issues in making your decision.

• your name
• your OMERS membership number or social insurance number
• your email and mailing address
• your signature.

See OMERS contribution rates

If you are an active member, notify your employer of your intent to retire.

If you are no longer employed by an OMERS employer, complete the Application for retirement pension form and send it to OMERS.

• Change it online at myOMERS.com.
• Submit a completed Changing Information (retired member/survivor) to OMERS.

You can request a letter of income (as proof that you are receiving an OMERS pension) by writing to OMERS or by calling OMERS Member Services.

If you are still employed by an OMERS employer, you do not need to notify OMERS of name changes. Your employer will do this for you.

If you are no longer working for an OMERS employer, please advise OMERS immediately if your name changes. To notify OMERS of a name change, send a signed letter and proof of your name change, by fax or mail, with your new information to OMERS. In the letter include:

• your former full name (printed)
• your former signature 
• your new full name (printed)
• your new signature
• ​your OMERS reference number (or social insurance number)
• a photocopy providing proof of the name change (e.g., marriage certificate).

If your spouse or other family member has been named by you in a continuing power of attorney for property, we can carry out the request. If not we cannot carry out a request to change your address, banking or other information, or release your information.

A continuing power of attorney for property is a legal document that gives someone else the right to act on your behalf in matters relating to your property and finances.

A lawyer can advise you on drawing up specific conditions and limitations for a continuing power of attorney for property. In the absence of a continuing power of attorney for property, a guardian of property can be appointed by the courts to make decisions on behalf of the incapable person. If no one is appointed, the public guardian and trustee assumes the authority.

The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee has a power of attorney kit that will help you appoint the person you want to make decisions for you when you are no longer able to do so. You can get a copy from the website of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca.

• Change your tax online at myOMERS.com.
• Sign and submit a Changing Information (retired member/survivor) form to OMERS.
• Send OMERS a signed letter, with your full name (printed), OMERS reference number (or social insurance number), and the total additional monthly amount you want withheld.

If you appoint a power of attorney for your financial affairs in the event you become incapacitated, send OMERS a copy of the power of attorney document. For pension-related purposes, your power of attorney must be a continuing power of attorney for property in order to administer your affairs after incapacity.