The University of Waterloo renews benefit rates every May 1.
Participation is mandatory for all eligible full-time and part-time employees.
Extended Health
| Single | Family |
|---|---|
| $99.79* | $318.41* |
*includes taxes
Dental
| Single | Family |
|---|---|
| $65.78* | $197.97* |
*includes taxes
Part-time employees are responsible for a portion of the total rate. For example, a part-time employee who works 3 days per week, year round, would have a FTE (full-time equivalency) of 60% and would be responsible for paying 40% of the cost. This cost-sharing arrangement continues to apply in retirement for employees who are eligible for post-retirement (life insurance and extended health) benefits.
Disability benefits are designed to provide you with income continuation during periods of illness or injury.
| Long-term disability |
|---|
| 1.389% of earnings |
Example of rates on salary:
| Salary | Employee monthly premium rate 1.389% effective May 1, 2026* |
|---|---|
| $35,000 | $40.51 |
| $65,000 | $75.24 |
| $100,000 | $115.75 |
| $125,000 | $144.69 |
| $213,847 | $247.53 |
*Rates do not include applicable taxes
Life insurance
Coverage for life insurance is available to a maximum of six times an employee’s annual earnings. Basic life insurance of one times earnings is provided for all employees and fully paid for by the University. Employees can elect optional life insurance coverage to a maximum of six times annual earnings when combined with basic life insurance.
| Benefit | Cost sharing | Employee rates* | University rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic life (1 x annual earnings) | 100% University paid | Nil | $0.184/$1,000 of coverage per month |
| Additional basic life (1 to 2 x annual earnings) | 66.7% University paid | $0.0612/$1000 of coverage per month |
$0.1227/$1,000 of coverage per month |
| Optional life (1 to 3 x annual earnings) | 0% University paid | Based on age, gender, and smoking status (see rate table) | Not applicable |
*Rates do not include applicable taxes
Pension
Effective May 1, 2022, members are required to contribute to the pension plan as follows:
| Benefit | Monthly Rates | Cost Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Pension – employee contribution rate |
|
The University funds the balance of the cost of the pension benefit you earn under the pension plan, as determined by the plan's Actuary |
Employee & family assistance program
As part of the Employee Assistance Program (Policy 67), University of Waterloo employees and their dependent family members have a range of health and wellness services under the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), provided by Homewood Health Inc.. The program is a complement to the current benefits program, at no additional cost to employees.
| University Paid | Employee Paid |
|---|---|
| 100% ($2.99 per employee/month) | 0% |
NOTES:
All benefits continue while on an approved leave of absence. However, employee paid benefits will need to be paid in advance for the duration of the leave (LTD and Optional Life insurance, and extended health and dental for part-time employees). Individuals who are members of the pension plan have the option to waive pension contributions during the portion of their leave where they are not receiving pay from the University. However, this may affect credited service.
Premiums for extended health, dental, and LTD are waived, as well as pension contributions for individuals who are currently receiving LTD benefit payments. Optional life premiums are paid by the University while on LTD. Spousal life, however, must continue to be paid by the employee.