OPB News for Retired Members

OPB’s e-services portal is an easy and secure way to connect with us. The benefits include:

• Improved accessibility features makes it easy for you to update your personal information
• Send OPB documents securely by using Secure Document Upload
• Choosing to receive your COLA letter and/or Retired Member Statement exclusively online
• Access to your T4A tax slips
• Book a 1-on-1 meeting with one of our in-house Advisors, who are all Certified Financial Planners®
• Sign up for optional e-alerts to receive more frequent updates
• Easy password reset

You can register for e-services by clicking on ‘Login’ in the top-right corner of OPB.ca, click ‘Member Registration’ and follow the steps. You’ll need to have your OPB client number on-hand to register. If you’re having difficulty activating your account or using any of the tools in e-services, our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you.

Please note: Retired Agricorp members do not currently have access to e-services.

For members who were in receipt of a PSPP pension in 2024, T4A slips will be available in your OPB e-services account(opens in a new tab) by late February. An article will be posted on OPB.ca closer to the date notifying you that the T4A slips are available online.

A physical copy of your T4A will also be mailed to you by ADP. We expect T4As to be mailed towards the middle of February.

If you haven’t already registered for e-services, we encourage you to do so by clicking ‘Login’ at the top-right corner of OPB.ca, click ‘Member Registration’ and follow the steps.

Brian Tracy, a Canadian-American author and motivational speaker once said, “Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.”

Retirement presents a unique opportunity to learn, explore and connect. Learning can bring joy, mental stimulation and personal satisfaction.

Here are some ideas:

1. Online courses and resources

a. LinkedIn Learning(opens in a new tab) – Discover thousands of online courses led by industry experts on a wide range of topics. Note: You can sign in if you have a LinkedIn account or by using your library card.

b. Free university courses – Several Canadian universities offer free online courses with some leading to certificates. Check out ClassCentral.com(opens in a new tab) to learn more.

c. TED Talks – These short, engaging presentations from entrepreneurs, experts and individuals from around the world will expand your mind as you learn about a variety of topics. Start by watching the most popular talks of all time(opens in a new tab) on TED.com.

d. YouTube(opens in a new tab) – There are many educational videos and resources available to improve your skills and knowledge. The topics are endless!

e. Books, podcasts – Discover online books with apps such as Audible and Scribd. Check out podcasts on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music, to name a few.

2. Learn a new language – Apps such as Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Fluenz make it easy and fun to learn a new language. Your local library may also offer additional languages such as Mango Languages(opens in a new tab) (Toronto Public Library). Read ‘The Best Language Learning Apps for 2025(opens in a new tab)’ to learn more.

3. Visit your local library, museum, seniors centre, and parks and recreation centres to learn about workshops, classes, special events, and groups – To name one, the Toronto Public Library offers a number of programs(opens in a new tab) focused on health and wellness, hobbies, crafts and games, author talks and lectures, computer and library training, book clubs and writers’ groups to connect with others in your community.

4. Personal interests – Discover personal passions you have through cooking classes, hobbies (writing, woodworking, gardening), music and dance lessons, photography and painting classes, to name a few.

5. Volunteer your time or mentor – Volunteer for a cause you are passionate about, consider joining a board or committee for an organization that interests you, consider mentoring young professionals or students.

No matter how you choose to spend your time in retirement - whether you start a hobby, learn a language, pursue a passion, prioritize personal growth or meet people in your community, the key is to stay engaged, curious and enjoy the journey ahead!

Sources: Quotefancy.com(opens in a new tab)

Congratulations - your trip is booked and now it’s time to start your packing list! Don’t forget to check off these important items when travelling with your furry companion across borders:

1. Health check - Visit your veterinarian to perform a health check and get any necessary paperwork or certifications. If your pet is taking any prescriptions, be sure to pack them and ensure you have enough for your trip.
2. Consider your carrier – Ensure it’s the right size and type for your pet. Speak with your veterinarian if you’re not sure. Check that your carrier provides the right amount of space for your pet to move while in transit, and that it meets current safety standards.
3. Be aware of the do’s and don’ts when flying – Airlines have specific requirements for travelling and transporting animals. Contact the airline in advance to let them know you’re travelling with your pet and find out if there’s anything you need to do before arriving at the airport. If you’re travelling by car, there may be different considerations to keep in mind.
4. Bring a photo – It may be a good idea to have a photo handy of your pet and a record of their microchip number (if they have one), just in case they get lost in transit.

When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for any questions you have about travelling with your furry friend. Bon voyage!

Read ‘Travelling with animals’ at Travel.gc.ca(opens in a new tab) to learn more.

You’ve submitted your paperwork, chosen a retirement date and imagined what life will look like. But there is one looming decision, should I downsize my home or stay put?

“Take the time to consider the process of downsizing, which also includes the emotional and financial considerations leading to your decision,” explains David Lee, Client Service Advisor, Ontario Pension Board. “Begin by making a list of the pros and cons of staying in your current residence compared to downsizing,” says Lee.

Check out our list of considerations to help you decide if downsizing is right for you:

Maintenance costs

• As an empty nester, can I afford/do I need my four-bedroom house?
• Do maintenance costs and utility bills outweigh the benefits?

Financial

• With reduced income, do I need more cashflow to support my retirement?
• Summarize costs (e.g., real estate fees/commission, tax implications such as capital gains, closing, and moving costs)
• Are my finances in place before retiring – secured/unsecured line of credit, pre-qualifying for a loan?

Quality of life

• Will climbing stairs, shoveling snow and yard work concern you?
• Can I easily commute to take part in hobbies and interests?
• Are services such as groceries and medical professionals easily accessible?
• Can I easily lock up and travel south during the winter?

Emotional

• Am I able and willing to take on the effort and potential stress that can arise when moving?
• How can I transition into a new community while staying connected with family and friends?
• Do I have a support system of family and friends close by?
• What is the most supportive way to approach sorting through items in my home that may have sentimental value?

“If your gut feeling tells you that downsizing is not the best approach for you, consider meeting with an advisor to discuss further,” says Lee. “Don’t leave any doors unopened. If you’ve determined that the housing market won’t garner the finances you need to get into the market again, renting may be a better option for you.”

Top tips:

• To help you navigate the potential outcomes, consider making a list of pros and cons to help you decide if downsizing is right for you. Does one outweigh the other?
• Changes can be challenging, rewarding and exciting! Ask yourself: Will a move bring financial benefits? Will it help simplify my lifestyle? Can it create emotional readiness to help me step away from the working world? Can it offer the freedom to shift financial resources to allow me to enjoy my interests, hobbies, travelling or volunteering?
• Before committing, consider a test-run. Get a feel for the new neighbourhood and lifestyle with a short-term housing rental. This could help you make an informed decision.
• Prepare and plan! Depending on your reason for downsizing, careful planning and attention to detail is important. Paring down belongings before listing may take time.

Consult professionals

• Talk to your real estate agent about the strategies for selling your house before spending money on renovations as low-cost upgrades may make more sense. Ensure you understand all the costs involved.
• Revisit your retirement plan with your financial advisor to ensure it aligns with your goals and cash flow needs.
• Consult tax professionals to understand the potential tax implications.

Downsizing is a major decision, so start with a detailed plan and go from there. Happy retirement!

At OPB, inclusion and diversity are core values of who we are and how we operate. We are pleased to share that we are introducing some changes to enhance the inclusiveness of our communications. These changes will help better reflect the range of gender identities and titles of our diverse clients.

What’s new?

As part of OPB’s commitment to inclusiveness in our interactions with members and stakeholders, we’re expanding the gender options available in our systems.

Effective immediately, you will be able to request an update on your file to reflect your gender identity. Options will now include:

• Female
• Male
• Non-binary
• Undisclosed
• Gender non-conforming

To support the expanded gender options, we have also added non-gender options for titles. If you would like to have a title on file (titles are not mandatory), you can now choose between:

• Dr.
• JP
• Reverend
• Sister
• Ms.
• Miss
• Mrs.
• Mr.
• Mx.
• Ind

Why are we making this change?

These changes are a way for OPB to advance the support we provide to our diverse client communities, by ensuring our communication system and practices are respectful of a range of gender identities and titles.

How to make a change

If you would like to update the gender or title information we have on file for you, we invite you to contact OPB using our contact information below. We do not require any documentation from you to make updates.

If you are satisfied with your listed gender and title, there is no need to contact OPB.

Have a question?

If you have any questions or would like to update the information we have on file for you, please contact us at 416-364-5035 or toll-free at 1-800-668-6203, or email us at clientservice@opb.ca. Our Client Care Centre is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We interviewed Frank Post, our Corporate Information Security Officer, to share his expert advice on online safety.

What are some top tips to be aware of to help protect yourself online?

My best advice to anyone, retired or not, is to avoid overcomplicating things. Some individuals may vary in their comfort with technology, from being highly adept to needing support from family members. Here are some key tips:

1. Use a Passphrase, Not Just a Password
   Passwords should be unique and at least 12-15 characters long. Many people use familiar things like birthdays or pet names. Modern security guidelines recommend long and simple passwords over complicated ones. For example, instead of creating a complicated password you might forget and end up writing down, use a memorable phrase. Take a favourite line from a book, remove spaces, and transform it into a passphrase. This is both easy to remember and difficult for attackers to crack.
2. Be Present When Receiving Family Support
   If a family member is helping you navigate an online portal or call, always try to be physically present. That way, you can answer any questions yourself, making it easier to verify your identity and ensuring that only the actions you intend are carried out.
3. Create a Secret Code with Family to Identify Scammers
   Grandparent scams are common. Scammers often impersonate grandchildren in distress, urgently asking for money. A simple solution is to set up a secret code word with your family that only you all know. This way, you can quickly verify if the caller is truly your family member or a scammer.
4. If you receive a QR code either by email or via postal mail, first confirm it’s legitimate before scanning it
   Some scammers may send you a text message, flyer or a piece of mail that includes a QR code, a two-dimensional barcode printed as a square pattern of black and white squares that encodes data. When you scan the code with your phone’s camera, it opens a link to a website where you’re prompted to enter your personal information or login credentials that scammers may try to steal. In other cases, the scammer may use QR codes to launch payment apps or ask you to follow a malicious social media account.
   
   If someone you know sends you a QR code to scan, contact them first before clicking on it to verify it’s safe. If you receive a message from an unknown source, don’t scan the code, even if it seems enticing. If the code comes from what appears to be a reputable source, contact the organization first to verify if it’s legitimate. Some antivirus companies also offer a QR scanner app that can check the safety of a link before you open it.
   
   Below is an example of what a QR code looks like - if you scan it, it will take you to OPB’s secure e-services home page:

Are there any new apps or technologies seniors can use for extra protection and support?

Keeping your device up to date is one of the simplest yet most important steps. Install updates as soon as they become available. Holding on to an outdated device, even if it still functions, can expose you to security risks. After a certain point, manufacturers stop providing security patches, and that leaves older devices vulnerable.

I would also recommend using password managers rather than writing down passwords. While password managers can also be breached, they are generally far more secure than trying to remember passwords or leaving them written on paper.

What’s the most important piece of advice you can offer when going online?

Be suspicious of anything unexpected or unusual. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Develop a relationship with someone tech-savvy who you trust to help guide you and confirm any suspicions you may have. Cybercriminals make scams as seamless as possible to exploit any weakness. Safety tips are timeless and apply to everyone—no matter what your age is. The key is sticking to fundamental practices to prevent yourself from being compromised or hacked.

Staying informed is the best way to protect yourself from online threats. For more information on current scams and fraud, as well as recovery, you can visit the Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe(opens in a new tab), Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre(opens in a new tab) and the Province of Ontario(opens in a new tab) website.

Additional source: Better Business Bureau(opens in a new tab)