Reduced Earnings

In general, you contribute to HOOPP based on the earnings you receive from your HOOPP employer.

Temporary periods of reduced earnings

Some employees may experience a temporary period in which they earn a reduced amount of pay. If this is not a permanent pay cut, you may choose to “top up” your contributions to HOOPP, with your employer’s approval.

This means you keep your contributions at the same level they would have been had your earnings not been reduced. (An example of this is a short-term job-sharing program.)

Top-up contributions

The “top up” contributions can be paid during the period you earn reduced pay, or as a lump sum. If paid as a lump sum, HOOPP must receive the top-up no later than six months from the end of the temporary period of reduced earnings.

To qualify, you must have worked for your HOOPP employer for at least 36 months before the start of the period, and have your employer’s permission. See your employer for details.

Advantages of making top-up contributions

If you choose to make top-up contributions you will continue to build contributory service at the same rate you did before the pay reduction. Contributory service is a key component of your pension - the more contributory service you have, the greater your pension will be.

All contributions you make will be matched by your employer at the prevailing rate.

Leaves

If you will be on a leave, please visit our Leaves & Absences section for details.