OSSTF/FEESO Benefits Transition to Direct Billing of Member Contributions

OSSTF/FEESO Benefits has recently notified Bargaining Unit leaders and eligible plan members about a transition to direct billing of plan member contributions.

The direct billing of plan member premium contributions towards the benefits plan via PAD (Pre-Authorized Debit) has proven to be more efficient than payroll deductions for active plan members. Other benefits plans in the education sector have already completed the move to direct billing.

This change to direct billing (i.e., pre-authorized debit deduction) will occur in two phases.

Phase 1 – Transition to direct billing of plan member contributions for eligible OSSTF/FEESO Long Term Occasional Teachers

Effective September 1, 2023, all long-term occasional (LTO) teacher Members who are eligible for the OSSTF/FEESO Benefits Plan must provide preauthorized debit information to enroll for benefits. Previously, LTO teacher Members on a full assignment (1.0 FTE for a semester) would have their member contributions deducted by the employer.

Direct billing contributions will be taken on the 10th of each month.

This change only applies to LTO teacher Members, as long-term assignment education workers have used direct billing since September 1, 2020.

Phase 2 – Transition to direct billing of plan member contributions for all other eligible OSSTF/FEESO Members

Effective February 1, 2024, direct billing of plan member contributions (rather than payroll deduction for active plan Members) for all remaining and newly eligible teacher and education worker OSSTF/FEESO Members will be implemented. Further detailed general information will be communicated to all from OSSTF/FEESO Benefits prior to this transition, and detailed requests will be sent by OTIP to affected plan Members to obtain the PAD authorization prior to the February 1, 2024 transition date.

Further communication will be provided next school year about this change.

If you have any questions, please contact John.Wells@osstf.ca.