BUY-BACK COST ESTIMATOR
 
 
 
Home page of the estimator
  Help Print

We are providing here answers to the most frequent questions asked by the "Buy-back Cost Estimator" users. We strongly suggest that you read them before you access the estimator.

What is the purpose of the estimator?
What types of buy-backs can the estimator process?
Who can use the estimator?
How does it work?
Is the protection of my personal information guaranteed?
Is the information entered verified by CARRA?
Can the actual buy-back cost be different from the approximate cost provided by the estimator?
What should I do when the result is displayed on screen?
Does the printed document provided by the estimator guarantee certain rights to the member?
Where can I get more information on service purchase?


What is the purpose of the estimator?
The "Buy-back Cost Estimator" will quickly and easily provide the approximate cost of the service purchase you are planning. It also indicates what you will gain in terms of years of service.
List of subjects


What types of buy-backs can the estimator process?
The estimator processes the types of buy-backs most frequently asked by members of RREGOP, the PPMP, the TPP and the CSSP, which are:
absences without pay under RREGOP (except parental leaves related to maternity, paternity or adoption leaves);
absences without pay under the PPMP (except parental leaves related to maternity, paternity or adoption leaves);
absences without pay under the TPP or the CSSP;
service as a casual employee after June 30, 1973.
List of subjects


Who can use the estimator?
The estimator is intended for those who currently participate in RREGOP, the PPMP, the TPP or the CSSP and who are planning to apply for one of the types of buy-backs mentioned above.

The estimator can also be used by employers and associations in the public and the parapublic sectors.
List of subjects


How does it work?
Simply choose the type of buy-back you are planning from the menu on the left, enter the information requested and click on "Submit".

The estimator instantly provides the approximate cost of the buy-back you are planning. It also indicates what you will gain in terms of years of service.
List of subjects


Is the protection of my personal information guaranteed?
The "Buy-back Cost Estimator" does not rely on any data base held by CARRA. Consequently, it does not need personal information such as your name or social insurance number to work. It is simply a calculator programmed to provide a result from certain types of data, in accordance with CARRA’s instructions. You can therefore use it safely.
List of subjects


Is the information entered verified by CARRA?
No, the data you enter is not verified by CARRA. However, the estimator will carry out certain consistency checks (for example, an error message will appear if you enter an end date that is earlier than the start date...).
List of subjects


Can the actual buy-back cost be different from the approximate cost provided by the estimator?
There could be a difference between the actual cost and the approximate cost provided by the estimator. The difference is mainly due to the fact that the actual cost determined after the study of your application will be based on more refined data than what the estimator uses.

Besides, special rules apply to the purchase of absences without pay. As a matter of fact, the cost of buying back absences without pay under RREGOP, the PPMP, the TPP or the CSSP is calculated on different basis depending on whether CARRA receives the application for buy-back within the 6 months following the end of the absence or more than 6 months after the end of that period.

Therefore, it is important to point out that if the approximate cost of a buy-back is calculated by the estimator within 6 months of the end of the absence and if you file your application for buy-back to CARRA more than 6 months after the end of the absence, the actual cost could significantly differ from the approximate cost provided by the estimator.

Also, if you are a RREGOP member and file your application more than six months after the end of an absence that took place in 2008 or after, the cost of your buy-back cannot be lower than 200% of the contributions you would have paid for that period.

For more information on the calculation of the buy-back cost of a period of absence without pay, we suggest you read the following document (PDF format): Fee schedule for certain types of buy-backs.
List of subjects


What should I do when the result is displayed on screen?
We suggest that you print the result. You will then be able to study it and decide whether or not to file an application for buy-back to CARRA.

You could also print the "Help" section of the type of buy-back you are planning.
List of subjects


Does the printed document provided by the estimator guarantee certain rights to the member?
No. The printed document simply indicates that CARRA’s estimator has calculated the approximate cost of the planned buy-back, from the data shown on the document, as at the date indicated.

On the printed document, an important message specifies that the estimate prepared by the estimator does not constitute an application for buy-back and does not guarantee the right to purchase the period identified. It is only after it has received your "Application for buy-back" and the "Attestation of a buy-back period" forms that CARRA will be able to determine your right.
List of subjects


Where can I get more information on service purchase?
Service purchase is addressed in various sections of our Web site. Simply click on the link that corresponds to what you are looking for:
FAQs > Questions from members (RREGOP, the PPMP, the TPP and the CSSP) > Buy-backs
The plans > RREGOP > Buy-backs
The plans > The PPMP > Buy-backs

You can also access the following documents (PDF format):
Buy-backs
Fee schedule for certain types of buy-backs
Information on tax rule limits and service purchase
What is a pension adjustment (PA) and what is a past service pension adjustment (PSPA)?

Finally, if you wish to discuss your personal situation, you can contact:
the human resources department at your place of work;
  or
your labour union or managers’ association.
List of subjects
 

Last update: 2011-07-04

Québec’s government portal
© Gouvernement du Québec, 2006

Commission administrative des régimes de retraite et d'assurances CARRA - Home E-mail Version française de cette page