Your Benefits: Don't Miss Out!
DFA publishes quick bulletins to help you get familiar with your benefits. Each issue highlights one or more of the benefits that you have access to under your Collective Agreement. Have a look, and click on the links in each issue to learn more through your Collective Agreement. Please contact benefits@dal.ca or call 902-494-1122 for more information.
- Issue #6 (February 6, 2024) Your Benefits: Professional Development Allowance
- Issue #5 (December 6, 2023) Your Benefits: Tuition Waiver and Dalplex Fees
- Issue #4 (November 17, 2023) Your Benefits: Bereavement, Personal Problems, and Emergencies
- Issue #3 (October 11, 2023) Your Benefits: Travel
- Issue #2 (September 15, 2023)Your Benefits: Vacation Entitlement
- Issue #1 (September 5, 2023) Your Benefits: Health Spending Account
Health and Dental Benefits
Pregnancy, Parental & Adoption Leaves
Details of pregnancy, paternity and adoption leaves are found in Clause 30.08 of your 2022-2025 Collective Agreement.
Common Questions About Benefits & Leaves
DFA members are eligible for a range of benefits through Dalhousie, including health and dental coverage, a Health Spending Account (HSA), and participation in the university pension plan.
Coverage details, eligibility, and enrollment are managed through the university’s benefits provider.
The Health Spending Account (HSA) allows you to be reimbursed for eligible health-related expenses that are not fully covered by your standard benefits plan.
This can include:
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Health and dental premiums
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Additional medical or wellness expenses
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Services not fully covered by insurance
Claims are submitted through the benefits provider. If you’re unsure what qualifies, you can check with the provider or contact the DFA for guidance.
Yes — in many cases, health and dental premiums can be claimed through your Health Spending Account, provided they meet eligibility requirements.
If you’re unsure how to submit these claims, check with the benefits provider or contact the DFA.
DFA members participate in the Dalhousie University pension plan, which provides retirement income based on your earnings and years of service.
Information about contributions, eligibility, and retirement planning is available through the university’s pension office.
If you are having trouble accessing your pension information, you may need to contact the appropriate Dalhousie office directly.
The Collective Agreement provides several types of leave, including:
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Sabbatical leave
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Parental and family leave
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Medical leave
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Administrative or academic leave
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Other approved leaves
Each type of leave has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Leave requests are typically submitted through your department or faculty, and may require approval from your Chair/Head and Dean.
The process and timelines vary depending on the type of leave, so it’s important to review the relevant section of the Collective Agreement and speak with your department early.
For specific questions about coverage, claims, or eligibility:
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Contact Dalhousie’s benefits office or provider
For guidance or support navigating your benefits:
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Contact the DFA
Start by speaking with your department Chair, Head, or Director.
If you need additional support or have concerns about how leave provisions are being applied, you can contact the DFA for assistance.