Work Force Adjustment

Normally, federal public servants who choose to retire early are subject to a 5 percent annual pension reduction for each year of early retirement. For example, retiring five years early would normally mean a 25 percent pension reduction (5 percent per year). 

A pension waiver under WFA allows eligible public servants the option to retire with an immediate pension based on their years of service, without the 5 percent annual reduction that is normally applied for each year of early retirement.  

Do I qualify for a pension waiver under WFA? 

To qualify for a pension waiver under the WFA Directive, members must be leaving the public service through involuntary retirement (including Voluntary Departure Program and alternation) (selecting Option B under WFA) and meet the following age and service requirements:  

  • Age 55 to 59 

  • At least 10 years of service with the federal government, including at least two years of pensionable service 

How do I apply?  

Members can apply for a pension waiver by:  

  • Discussing with their manager and  having the deputy head confirm that the employee meets the criteria for pension waiver and complete the Request for a pension reduction waiver under the Public Service Superannuation Act 

  • Submitting the completed form to the Government of Canada Pension Centre 

If all conditions are met, the Pension Centre will process the waiver. 

If your pension waiver request is denied, submit an Intake form to the AJC to discuss next steps. 

How do I get more information on the pension waiver? 

Consult the following resources for more information on pension waivers:  

  • Government of Canada Pension Centre