Have you recently been denied a request that affects your pension benefit?
If you disagree with a decision that affects your pension plan status or benefit, you may have that decision reviewed by PSPP's pension benefit administrator, Alberta Pensions Services Corporation (APS). Following the initial review, you may also, subject to agreement by you and APS, engage in an optional informal resolution process to resolve the matter.
Once all recourse options with APS have been exhausted, you may appeal that decision to an Appeal Tribunal.
Before you request an appeal to the Appeal Tribunal, you must exercise all right to recourse actions with APS:
1. Seek an Explanation
If you have a concern with a decision made by APS and want more information,contact APS to speak to the Client Service Advocate or send a message through the Secure Messages in Your Pension Profile. They will answer your questions or explain the Plan’s provisions.
2. Request an Initial Review by APS
A second look at your request might clarify either your request or APS’ decision. To initiate an initial review by APS, write a notice of objection to PSPP Client Service Advocate (c/o Alberta Pensions Services Corporation: 5103 Windermere Boulevard SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 0S9) or contact APS through Secure Messages in Your Pension Profile.
Your notice of objection should specify that you are asking for a review of the decision. Be sure to detail your concern with the decision and why you believe it should be reviewed. Please also include your name, address and employer in the notice of objection.
Your notice of objection requesting an initial review by APS must be delivered in writing within 60 days from the date you received the decision with which you disagree.
APS management will closely examine your request, the information in your file and the decision. They will ensure the Plan’s provisions and/or administrative procedures and policies have been correctly followed and applied. APS will then respond to you in writing with its findings.
3. Optional Informal Resolution Process
If you still have concerns and would like to explore alternative solutions, you may request APS to engage in an informal resolution process. To initiate an informal resolution process, write a letter to PSPP Client Service Advocate (c/o Alberta Pensions Services Corporation: 5103 Windermere Boulevard SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 0S9) or contact APS through Secure Messages in Your Pension Profile.
The informal resolution process is optional and will only proceed if agreed to by both yourself and APS. APS may only agree to alternative solutions that comply with the Plan’s provisions and administrative procedures and policies. If you wish to further escalate, read about the appeal to the Appeal Tribunal.