Defined Benefit Plan

Definition


Defined Benefit Plan (Canadian Insurance): A registered pension arrangement, most commonly sponsored by an employer or labour union, that guarantees a specific retirement income to the plan member and often to the member’s spouse. The promised pension is calculated according to a preset formula—typically based on the member’s highest (or final) average earnings, years of credited service, and an accrual rate set out in the plan text—and is paid from the plan’s assets held in a trust or purchased annuity. Fiduciaries or an insurance company insures the obligation, absorbing the investment and longevity risks so that fluctuations in market returns or increases in life expectancy do not reduce the member’s guaranteed benefit. Contributions from the employer (and frequently the employee) are adjusted actuarially to ensure the plan remains sufficiently funded, while benefits are subject to tax on withdrawal and to pension legislation and provincial/federal pension-standards oversight.

Get Health Benefits


Coverage Type

Disclosure

All quotes, products, and services are marketed and distributed by Red Helm Canada, an independent brokerage. Review our brokerage disclosure to find out more about who we are. While all effort is made to ensure accuracy, rates and plan details may be subject to review or change without prior notice. Rates are not guaranteed until final approval and confirmation from the insurance carrier.  Plan eligibility is not guaranteed and may be subject to a medical questionnaire or other eligibility criteria. By submitting your information in our quote request form, you are accepting the terms and conditions of our website and are accepting that we communicate with you electronically for the purpose of solicitation.