Leaving Your Job? Check Your Benefits Before They End.
A new chapter at work can change your insurance, pension and household cash flow. Use this checklist to organize the questions and documents that deserve attention before deadlines pass.
For job changes, retirement, layoffs and a move to self-employment • No contact details needed to use the checklist
Watch the GMFSI video
Madhu walks through the seven financial benefits checks to make when changing jobs.
Your 7-Step Leaving-Your-Job Checklist
Tick each item after you have reviewed it. Your selections last only while this page is open; print the page to keep a copy. The checklist is an organizer, not a confirmation of coverage or eligibility.
Deadlines deserve an early check
A conversion window may be short
Canada Life’s published group life conversion guidance specifies a 31-day application window, including the first premium, subject to eligibility and limits.
This is an example, not a deadline for every plan. Obtain the requirements that apply to your policy in writing.
Replacement options have their own rules
Sun Life’s Health Coverage Choice lists a 60-day window after workplace or retiree group coverage ends for eligible applicants aged 18–74.
Eligibility, provincial coverage requirements, benefits and limits apply. Other products may have different rules. Replacement coverage may differ from your former plan.
Do not assume a claim-submission deadline is also a conversion deadline. If a deadline is close, contact the insurer or plan administrator directly without waiting for an advisory meeting.
What should I ask before I leave?
Your current employer
- What is the exact end date for each benefit and for my dependants’ coverage?
- Which benefits have conversion or continuation options, and what forms, payments and deadlines apply?
- What is the final date to submit expenses incurred while covered? Are pre-approved treatments affected?
- What happens to my health spending account balance and outstanding claims?
- When will I receive my pension and workplace savings options, and when must I respond?
- Who should I contact after my work email and benefits portal access end?
Your new employer
- When does each benefit begin? Is there a waiting period?
- What coverage is available for my spouse and children, and when must I enrol them?
- What are the drug, dental and other limits, exclusions and employee contributions?
- How much life and disability coverage is provided, and can I apply for more?
- When does pension or savings-plan participation begin, and how does employer matching work?
- Are there enrolment deadlines or evidence requirements for optional coverage?
Keep a small transition folder
- Benefits booklet and written coverage-end confirmations
- Conversion or continuation forms and insurer contact details
- Current pension, group RRSP and DPSP statements
- New employer’s benefits summary and enrolment dates
- Beneficiary confirmations and relevant personal insurance details
- Final-pay information and administrator contacts
Keep these records securely. Avoid sending medical records or sensitive financial documents through public forms or comments.
A few common questions
Do my benefits end on my last working day?
They may, but the date depends on your plan and employment circumstances. Ask for written confirmation rather than assuming every coverage ends together.
Will conversion give me the same insurance at the same price?
Not necessarily. Available products, coverage limits and premiums can differ from the group plan. Review the contract and costs before deciding, while preserving any time-sensitive option.
Can I use my spouse’s benefits instead?
Possibly. Ask the spouse’s plan administrator about eligibility, enrolment deadlines and when coverage would begin. Compare the benefits and any remaining gaps.
Should I transfer my pension immediately?
First obtain your options statement and understand the deadline. Compare any available choices, including keeping benefits in the plan or an eligible transfer. Consider guarantees, fees, survivor benefits, tax implications and applicable pension rules before deciding.
I have already left. Is it too late to review my options?
Contact your former plan administrator or insurer promptly. Some options may still be available, while others may have expired. Ask what remains available for your specific plan and coverage-end date.
Changing jobs? Let’s review what changes with you.
A 15-minute clarity call can help identify which insurance, workplace savings and cash-flow questions deserve a closer review.
No obligation • Bring your main question
Prefer to call? 905-921-9962