7.1 Free Accrual |
|---|
Free accrual is contributory service that is credited by HOOPP to a member who is determined by HOOPP to be partially, totally, or totally and permanently disabled. A disabled member receiving free accrual builds contributory service without having to make any contributions. Your organization does not make contributions either.
Qualifying Period and Timelines The first 15 weeks of a health leave is known as the qualifying period. Members must make contributions on any employment earnings they receive from your organization during this period and employers must match contributions made by the member at the prevailing employer contribution rates. See section 7.3 Administrative Steps for further details about deducting contributions and the options that are available to members during this period.
...
A member who is in receipt of free accrual can continue to qualify for free accrual until their next medical review date if you place them on a rehabilitation or modified work program in preparation for a full return to work. A member placed on a permanent work accommodation will cease to qualify for free accrual and will resume making required contributions. For more information about rehabilitation programs, see Step E: Member Returns to Work on an Employer-Approved Rehabilitation or Modified Work Program in section 7.3 .Administrative Steps
Consecutive Leaves
A member may be entitled to disability benefits for a period that also qualifies as a statutory leave. Also, a health leave may immediately precede or follow a statutory leave. For example, a member on a Pregnancy-Parental Leave may qualify for HOOPP disability benefits for the period during which she would not have been able to work for health reasons related to pregnancy or childbirth. In such cases, the type of leave(s) that are reported to HOOPP and the contribution remittance should be consistent with the member’s situation. Two distinct periods of leave should be reported if the member switches from a health leave to a statutory leave, or vice versa. Keep in mind the member’s right to continue contributions in respect of a period of statutory leave that does not otherwise qualify for free accrual, as discussed in section 5. Leaves and Layoffs .