Accuracy of the information provided by the Base Release Section on the requirements governing pension benefit choices.

Topic

Accuracy of the information provided by the Base Release Section on the requirements governing pension benefit choices.

Case number

• 2013-113 (F&R Date: 2014–04–24)

Description

When a member is released from the Regular Force, he meets with Base release staff and must sign a document entitled “Release Digest”.  The Committee noted that this document failed to list the requirements governing the choice of pension benefits. The section “value transfer” indicates that a member with a period of service between 2 and 25 years will receive a letter from the DCFPS advising him of his options with respect to the benefits to which he is entitled. 

The Committee explained that the fact that the information was not directly attached to the “Release Digest” leads to situations detrimental to the member, as he will be unaware, among other things, of the requirement to await payment of the “transfer value” before being able to receive an income from the Reserve Force.

Recommendation

The Committee recommended that the CDS order the competent authorities to amend the “Release Digest” in order to include the requirements governing pension benefits, thereby ensuring that the members possess all the information necessary to make an informed, error free decision on their choice of pension benefits.

Final Authority Decision

The CDS is in full agreement with the conclusions and recommendation of the Committee. He has ordered the Chief Military Personnel to amend the “Release Digest” to include all requirements governing the payment of pension benefits.