Welcome to your Group Benefits Program Updated: December 2025

Beneficiary Update Reminder:

Life events such as birth, marriage, and death are inevitable, and it's important to update your beneficiaries accordingly (the person or persons who will inherit your life insurance benefit, pension earnings, etc.)

It is extremely important to keep your beneficiaries updated for your life insurance policies and financial accounts. This will guarantee that your assets are swiftly transferred to your loved ones. If you don't identify your beneficiaries, the proceeds will be transferred to your estate.

Please download, save, and then complete the fillable form. You may also print out and manually complete the form. *Completed forms can be returned to the Plan Administrator (HR).

Update - Eligible Mental Health Practitioners:

  • Behavioural Therapist/Analyst
  • Counsellor/Social Worker
  • Master of Social Work
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Psychologist
  • Psychotherapist
Umbrella Family and Child Care Centres of Hamilton believe our employees are integral to our achievements and we take pride in attracting and retaining highly talented individuals. Our goal is to provide you with the resources you need to live a healthy life and enjoy success on the job. We are proud to offer benefits that support your everyday needs.

Benefits Program

Benefits Carrier

Preferred Partner Network (PPN)

Save Money by Using a PPN Pharmacy!

By choosing a PPN pharmacy with lower mark-up costs and fees, you help keep your drug plan sustainable. Fees are lowest at Costco (no membership needed to use pharmacy), The Pharmacy in Metro stores, and Drug Basics in Food Basics stores. Rexall is also part of the PPN and offers better fees and perks! Finally, Pocketpills – Canada’s leading online pharmacy – is part of the PPN and ideal for those needing maintenance medications.

Food Basics pharmacy locations & options: www.foodbasics.ca/drug-basics

Metro pharmacy locations & options: www.metro.ca/en/services/pharmacy

Costco Pharmacy locations & options: www.costcopharmacy.ca

Rexall's PPN Preferred Perks: www.rexall.ca/preferred-perks-ppn Link your Be Well card with the code: "ACERA"

Pocketpills: www.pocketpills.com

Enhanced Offerings

The following programs are unique offerings to further support your needs.

A Voluntary Benefit: Critical Illness Insurance will help relieve the financial burden that also comes with an unexpected illness. The insurance pays a lump-sum cash benefit when a covered person is diagnosed with a covered illness. To review our voluntary CI benefit details, please contact your Plan Administrator.

Brand Names at Generic Prices: Sponsored by pharmaceutical manufacturers, these unique prescription benefit programs provide employees with a choice to stay on their brand name drugs at the generic price. They provide supplementary drug coverage on 100+ original brand-name medications, and other medical products, including blood glucose meters and test strips. There are no monthly fees and each card is accepted at most Canadian pharmacies.

Understanding your travel insurance contract is key. Most plans include travel coverage, but sometimes additional protection is vital when travelling. Travel insurance through your benefit plan – or with your credit card – is adequate, but does it cover all conditions if you encounter unexpected travel or health-related issues? There is a solution! Our benefits consultants offer comprehensive and affordable coverage through TuGo® Travel Insurance.

Health and Wellbeing

Work/Life Balance

Both physical and mental health are integral to your achievement as an employee and as a team member. Providing the tools to support your overall health and wellbeing can create a better work-life balance that ultimately translates into individual success.

Feel supported and connected with a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and innovative wellbeing resource. Life can be complicated. Get help with all of life’s questions, issues and concerns with TELUS Health. Any time, 24/7, 365 days a year. We offer support with mental, financial, physical and emotional wellbeing. Whether you have questions about handling stress at work and home, parenting and child care, managing money, or health issues, you can turn to TELUS Health for a confidential service that you can trust.

Download the TELUS Health One app, or call 1-877-207-8833 for immediate help.

Or, scan this QR code for direct access

Learn more about our EAP benefit with TELUS Health by watching the video above.

DNALabs™ is a Canadian owned genetics company that is committed to providing genetic testing solutions to help everyone know more about themselves. With a simple cheek swab, healthcare practitioners can now personalize treatment options that are best suited for each of us!

Group Retirement

Retire Comfortably

Retirement preparation is essential to ensure consistent funds after you retire. Good news! Your employer offers a retirement strategy as part of your overall compensation program. We also suggest meeting with a certified financial planner who specializes in retirement income planning and asset management. If you don’t already have a financial planner, our consultants offer a complimentary assessment with their Financial Health Team (see below).

Voluntary RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)

You employer will contribute 100% of your regular contributions, up to a predetermined maximum. Additional/optional voluntary contributions are allowed.

UNION Plan I.D. #: 43693XX00101AL

NON UNION Plan I.D. #: 43693XX00102WJ

To find out your contribution formula, please refer to your booklet.

Financial Health Support

In response to a greater demand for financial clarity and savings ideas (especially when designing your personal retirement strategy), our consultants offer all clients and their staff access to a Financial Health Team with a Certified Financial Planner®. This program is a complimentary assessment service and an opportunity for you to build a healthier, financial future.

Continuation of Benefits

You have options to replace your insurance and benefits after job termination. Our consultants has developed programs to assist clients during employment transitions quickly and professionally. For more information, please contact HR or Acera Benefits.

Questions? Please contact your Plan Administrator

Credits:

Information and services provided by Acera Insurance, Acera Benefits and any other tradename and/or subsidiary or affiliate of Acera Insurance Services Ltd. (“Acera”), should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting a qualified financial planner, lawyer, accountant, tax advisor or other professional for advice specific to your situation. Tax, employment, pension, disability and investment laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Acera is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.