Withdrawal and transfer instructions

A completed Employee Termination Notice (ETN) is provided to the CSS Pension Plan by the member's former employer. Once the ETN, final pension contributions, and required documentation have been received, the transfer request can be processed.

Before we can process a withdrawal or transfer request, we require the following documentation:

Withdrawal of non-locked-in funds as cash:

A completed CSS Application for Withdrawal or Transfer form
- Option 1
A copy of signed photo ID

Transfer of non-locked-in funds to an RRSP or RRIF:

To initiate this transaction, you must work with your credit union or financial institution.

A completed CSS Application for Withdrawal or Transfer form
- Option 2 or 3
T2151- Direct Transfer of a Single Amount form with Section 1 Part B, C, and D fully and correctly completed and signed.
- In Part B, the "RPP registration number" is 0345868 and the Plan number is the member's ID number.
- In Part D, you must provide the contract/policy/plan number of the financial product that the funds are being transferred to. Also, you must provide the complete mailing address for the receiving credit union or the financial institution (this goes in the "Transferee's Address" field).

Transfer of locked-in funds to a Locked In RRSP, LIRA, LIF, LRIF or pRRIF:

To initiate this transaction, you must work with your credit union or financial institution or registered pension plan.

Non-locked-in funds cannot be transferred to the same plan as locked-in funds. As a result, we require two separate T2151 forms for non-locked-in and locked-in funds.

A completed CSS Application for Withdrawal or Transfer form
- Option 4 or 5
T2151- Direct Transfer of a Single Amount form with Section 1 Part B, C, and D fully and correctly completed and signed.
- In Part B, the "RPP registration number" is 0345868 and the Plan number is the member's ID number.
- In Part D, you must provide the contract/policy/plan number of the financial product that the funds are being transferred to. Also, you must provide the complete mailing address for the receiving credit union or the financial institution (this goes in the "Transferee's Address" field).

Withdrawal of funds due to relationship breakdown

Where a division of pension funds is to occur due to relationship breakdown and where that division requires the transfer or withdrawal of the pension funds out of the CSS Pension Plan, the above instructions remain appropriate. However, the forms must be written as though the receiving former spouse where the member (i.e., the T2151 must be written in the former spouse’s name, and the CSS Application for Withdrawal or Transfer must be written in the former spouse’s name).

CSS will only process a division due to a relationship breakdown provided it has received and reviewed the appropriate legal documentation (e.g., separation agreement, court order) and the required processing documentation.

Digital signatures:

Note: if you are signing forms with a digital signature (e.g., picture of signature, software-embedded signature, etc.) these are CSS’ requirements:

If digitally signed without using a reputable e-signing platform/provider, we require a copy of the member’s signed photo ID, or
If digitally signed using a reputable e-signing platform/provider, we require the member’s signed photo ID OR the digital signature certificate.

Pension legislation provides that requests for withdrawals/transfers must be processed within 60 days after receipt of all proper documentation. In most cases, the CSS Pension Plan processes withdrawal and transfer requests within 10 - 15 business days.

Unless you make prior arrangements, documents and funds will be sent to you, or your financial institution, by regular mail. If you wish to arrange a courier, you may do so at your own expense.