BENEFITS
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATES
The benefit application process has changed for 2024-2025, all applications are now submitted via the Google forms below.
Please carefully read the instructions for how to correctly submit an application and provide all requested documentation.
DISCLAIMER: Applications that are incomplete, missing required documentation, and/or do not meet the benefit's eligibility criteria cannot be considered.
New EHP and Professional Allowance (replaces Flex Credits)
New Extended Health and Dental Benefit Plan and Professional Allowance benefits to replace existing Flex Credit system beginning on 1 January 2021
For more information follow the link to Western University's Human Resource site, which discusses these new changes, and how and when to allocate them.
Financial Assistance Fund
The Financial Assistance Fund provides support to members who experience unexpected financial need. The following types of expenses can be funded:
1) Medical Emergencies
2) Personal Emergencies
3) Academic/Conference Travel
4) Child Care
Unfortunately, the fund is limited and we cannot offer funding to all applicants. The Union's Financial Assistance Committee determines priority.
Submission deadlines: January 31st, April 30th and August 31st.
The committee aims to respond to all applications within one month after the deadlines.
Food Support Fund
Food Support is intended to aid members who are experiencing unexpected financial need or an emergency that diverts income from their food budget. With a limited budget, the fund is not sufficient to address chronic need and may only be received once per academic year. Given these limited resources, not everyone will be approved.
The Food Support committee will determine the amount available for disbursement to eligible members (including additional amounts for dependents) and the maximum disbursement per term/year. Members who live with a partner who is also employed as a GTA or Postdoc at Western shall apply together on one application.
Fall Term: September 1st to December 31st (Final fall term deadline is Jan. 20th, 2025)
Winter Term: January 1st to April 31st (Forms will be available Feb. 1, 2025)
Health Care Benefits
Your basic medical needs including doctor visits, hospitalization, many tests and vaccinations are covered by your provincial health plan. Once you reach age 65, some provinces provide a provincial plan that covers prescription drugs. In Ontario, this plan is called the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) plan.
Western's Health Care plan helps you with expenses not covered by the provincial plan or other government-sponsored programs.
Visit the Postdoctoral Associate (PDA) Health Care Benefits page for all information on Health Care Benefits or choose a specific topic below:
Employment Assistance Program
The Employee and Family Assistance Program services are provided by Morneau Shepell. It offers employees access to 24/7 crisis support, individual counselling, group therapy, and family services. Telephone assistance is available by calling 1-844-880-9142, more information can be found by following the link.