COVID-19 Member and Employer Information
Updated September 17, 2021
ATRF is taking extensive measures to ensure members continue to receive their pensions, and that all ATRF members continue to receive necessary services during the COVID-19 global pandemic – while also ensuring ATRF staff remain healthy and safe.
These are unprecedented circumstances, but we’ve been working with Alberta teachers for decades, we’ve always been here for them, and that’s not going to change. ATRF is considered an essential service and is still processing and paying member benefits.
We're prepared and ready to help.
ATRF Office
The ATRF offices are currently closed to the public, and ATRF staff will not be available for in-person services at our office until further notice.
Employer Termination Notices (For Employers)
Please continue to send all Employer Termination Notices to member@atrf.com and not to individual contacts at ATRF. This will ensure that the information provided on the form is actioned promptly while our employees continue to work remotely.
Documents
Members can continue to fax and mail documents to ATRF as staff will be monitoring for both.
ATRF will not be accepting in-person delivery of documents to our office until further notice. If members have documents that they believe they need to hand deliver they should call us to make alternate arrangements.
We strongly encourage members to use mail or fax rather than sending sensitive documents by email. ATRF now has a secure email feature. To send documents via email in a secure format, please reach out to ATRF and we will initiate the process.
Email Communication
It is even more important now than ever before that members ensure they provide ATRF with a current email address that they will continue to have access to in the event that we need to email important information to members.
Online Services
Online services will continue to be available, meaning members can apply for pensions, purchases, and terminations through the MyPension portal. This will ensure we are able to begin working on your file right away, even if there are interruptions to mail service. It also means that for members who apply for pensions through MyPension they will have a seamless experience and the entire process can be done online.
We will also continue to issue statements and packages through MyPension.
CRA Office Closures
Due to the closure of some Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offices, approvals for past service pension adjustments are taking longer than anticipated. If you are purchasing service in conjunction with a pension application, ATRF will work with CRA to expedite any outstanding PSPA approvals. We appreciate your patience and you will not be penalized for any delays as a result of this situation.
CRA is Pausing Requirements to Pay (For Retired Members)
Please note that in alignment with information from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), ATRF will not be withholding any amounts associated with CRA’s Requirements to Pay (RTP). This will continue until such time as CRA advises ATRF to reinstate those deductions.
ATRF Teacher Seminars and Interviews
All in-person field service seminars and interviews have been cancelled until further notice. However, our Pension Counsellors are still available to conduct interviews via telephone or videoconference. ATRF has also been working with school districts and ATA locals to provide online seminars by-request and are offering ATRF-organized webinars to members as well.