Introducing online self-certification during plan member enrolment flow

October 15, 2024

In October 2023, we communicated about new restrictions on plan member transactions due to changes related to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act/Common Reporting Standard (FACTA/CRS) self-certification process. Click here to read the GR News article.

To help create a more efficient and streamlined experience, we’re introducing digital self-certification on the plan member site. This update eliminates the need for plan members to complete a paper-based form and mail it to Sun Life.

1. Digital self-certification

FATCA/CRS self-certification will surface on the member site under the following scenarios:

  • Standalone self-certification – Starting on October 13, 2024
    • Members going in to look at their GRS account online will be prompted to complete self-certification if they haven’t already done so.
    • This option will present mainly for members who enrolled into the NREG product via paper or have been default enrolled and for whom a self-certification is pending.
  • Enrol – Starting on November 17, 2024
    • Self-certification will form part of the online enrolment flow if a member selects to enrol into a NREG product. They will be required to complete the self-certification in order to complete their enrolment.

In addition, we’ve made changes to when restrictions will be placed on an account.

Account Restrictions

If a member is part of a small plan (under 25 members) or has foreign indicia (i.e. a non-Canadian address) on file, their account will be restricted overnight on the day of enrolment. This restriction will remain in place until they complete and return their self-certification (via the digital app or paper form).

If a member doesn’t have foreign indicia and is not part of a small plan, request for self-certification will be triggered if a lump sum contribution is made into the NREG/SAV product. Account restrictions will be applied 90 days after the date of the request, if the member has not returned their self-certification (via the digital app or paper form).

Questions? We’re here to help.

For questions, please contact your Group Retirement Services representative.