Leaves of Absence
During an unpaid leave of absence, you:
- Do not contribute to the plan,
- Do not acquire pensionable service, and
- May not withdraw contributions or collect termination benefits such as a refund or a pension.
The treatment of paid leaves of absence is dependent on the specific circumstances of the leave (e.g., type of leave, length of leave), and may or may not be considered pensionable service.
There are specific provisions for:
If you are enrolled in a deferred salary leave plan, even though your earnings are less while financing your leave of absence, you must continue to contribute to TRAF based on your salary rate for your percentage of contract and you will continue to earn pensionable service during the deferral period only. The leave of absence that follows the deferral period is not pensionable.
Contributions are not made to the fund, nor is pensionable service credited during a leave of absence.
However, if you attend an educational institution during your leave, in some cases you may purchase the service as an educational leave.
