Victoria University provides support to its employees through its comprehensive benefits packages. The University offers a variety of resources and programs that strive to support a positive work environment, foster healthy and engaged employees and promote overall well-being. In this section, you will find information about your group’s benefit plan, pension plan and other related benefits.
Childcare Benefits
Childcare Benefit Eligibility:
Victoria University employees are entitled to submit expenses for reimbursement for each eligible child under the age of 7. Eligible children include a biological, step, common-law, or adopted child or ward under the age of 7. For example, if your child has a birthdate of July 18, you are eligible for the months January – July, inclusive since your child turned 7 in July. Definitions of eligible caregivers under the Income Tax Act can be found on the CRA website.
Child Care Benefit Application for Claim Form
Plan Year:
The plan year runs from January 1 to December 31.
Benefit entitlement:
Childcare expenses of up to $20/full day (6 hours or more of care) and $10/half-day (4-6 hours of care) per eligible child will be reimbursed at 50% to a maximum of $2,300 per child per plan year, subject to the plan maximum. The maximum reimbursement amount will be pro-rated for part-time staff or for staff who have worked less than the full year. Each employee group plan has a maximum total amount that will be paid out per year. If the total number of claims in a given year exceeds the defined maximum, then the amount of the reimbursement for all claims will be pro-rated so that total claims do not exceed the maximum.
Applying for Reimbursement:
Eligible staff should retain their receipts for childcare expenses for each eligible child. Claims must be submitted by no later than March 22 for the prior plan year using the Child Care Benefit Application for Claim Form. Copies of receipts must be submitted with the application form to Human Resources at vic.hr@utoronto.ca. Please note that late forms will not be accepted. A separate application form is required for each child and each childcare provider. You will need to obtain a signature from your childcare provider confirming the number of hours and the daily rates claimed on the form.
After all claims have been processed, you will receive a payment for your eligible expenses by cheque, usually by the end of April. The reimbursement is considered a T4 taxable benefit and is subject to legislative deductions including income tax, Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance. If you have any questions about the child care benefit plan, please contact Human Resources at vic.hr@utoronto.ca.
Dependent Tuition
For dependents of Victoria University staff, faculty and librarians, two distinct pathways offer financial support for higher education: the Dependent Scholarship Program and the Dependent Tuition Waiver Program.
Dependent Scholarship Program
The Dependent Scholarship Program is for dependents of Victoria University faculty members, including full-time clinical academic appointees, librarians, professionals/managers and research associates under specific policies.
Dependent Tuition Waiver Program
The Dependent Tuition Waiver Program extends support to dependents of active staff, retired staff, or deceased staff for members of the United Steel Workers (USW) union.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Eligible Victoria University employees and their families can access any of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services with TELUS Health. In an emergency or crisis situation, immediate support is available. Please be assured that when you use the program, it is completely confidential.
TELUS Health programs and services are uniquely responsive to the varied audiences, cultures, demographics and stakeholder groups within the higher education environment.
TELUS Health will provide the full range of health and wellness services that are currently available to the U of T community, including:
- Confidential short-term counselling
- Crisis management support
- Online resources
- Wellness sessions
- Enhanced understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion as it relates to supporting employee well-being
- Ability to accommodate over 200 languages
- Ability to match preferred demographics of available counsellors
- An innovative and accessible TELUS Health One app with interactive tools, programs and an instant chat feature to support employee well-being at work and home
You can find the EAP Information Sheet here.
How to Access TELUS Health
- Register for a TELUS Health account using your University of Toronto work email
- Check your inbox for a TELUS Health registration email containing a unique invite code, then follow the registration instructions provided
How to Contact TELUS Health
Access your Employee Assistance Program 24/7:
- 1-855-597-2110
- Log in to TELUS Health here.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at vic.hr@utoronto.ca.
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee health, dental and vision benefits are provided through Greenshield Canada.
- Greenshield Enrolment form
- Benefits for hourly and salaried staff (USW)
- Benefits for professional, managerial and confidential staff
- Benefits for faculty and librarians
- CUPE 3902 Unit 2 Benefits Summary
Retiree benefit plans
Information about Employee Leaves
There are a number of options available to employees who require a leave of absence for personal, educational, or professional matters. The USW Collective Agreement also outlines conditions for an employee's unpaid leave of absence.
If you are applying for a leave and have questions or concerns, please contact vic.hr@utoronto.ca.
For information related to statutory leaves of absence (pregnancy, parental, family medical etc.) refer to the details as outlined in the Employment Standards Act 2000.
Employees requesting to take a leave of absence from work need to complete the Leave Request Form. Please also complete a Leave of Absence – Benefits Election Form.
Pension Information
The University provides a defined benefit pension for eligible employees as a component of their total compensation package. The plan is designed to help provide an important source of retirement income, alongside government benefits and personal savings, to help our employees build retirement security.
Short Term Disability, Long-Term Disability and Accommodations
Victoria University offers eligible employees paid time away from work due to illness or injury. Employees also receive support should they require accommodation(s) within the workplace.
- Short-Term Disability Frequently Asked Questions
- Homewood Health Attending Physicians Statement
- Homewood Health Disability Management Employee Information
Workplace Illnesses or Injuries
Employees who experience a workplace illness or injury need to complete and submit an Incident Report Form at the earliest opportunity when appropriate.
University Pension Plan (UPP)
The University Pension Plan (UPP) is a jointly sponsored, defined benefit pension plan tailored by and for Ontario’s university sector. Victoria University is in the process of exploring a transition to UPP. Find more information about UPP here.
Resources
Employee Discount Programs
Victoria University is pleased to offer all appointed staff, faculty and librarians access to employee discount programs through WorkPerks and TELUS Health. Victoria University provides access to these discount programs at no cost to you.
Access unique savings from brand-name companies and smaller local businesses around the Greater Toronto Area and online. Discounts can be found for items including attractions and events, tickets, dining, shoes, clothes and personal care.
Workperks
How to Create Your Account
- To create your personal account, go to https://uoft.venngo.com/about, click on the green ‘go’ icon in the top left corner, select ‘create account’ and enter your University of Toronto email address.
- Once you create an account, all subsequent communications will be between you and WorkPerks directly.
- When you create your personal account, please keep a record of your username and password. Victoria University will not have access to your personal account and will not be able to retrieve this information in the event it is lost or misplaced.
Workperks is a voluntary program. You can sign up any time after the 10th of the month following receipt of your first pay.
If you are having difficulty creating your account, contact membersupport@venngo.com or 1-866-3VENNGO.
More information about these perks can be found on the University of Toronto Human Resources and Equity page.
TELUS Health
Log in to Telus Health to access the variety of discounts available to Victoria University employees.
If needed, refer to the Employee Assistance Program Information on our website for instructions on how to register and access the TELUS Health portal.