Spousal relationship changes
NOTE: If you are undergoing a spousal/relationship separation or divorce, or have, in the past, undergone such a separation or divorce while a member of the Plan, then a certified copy of agreements, all relevant court orders and related documents must be sent to the Pension Centre.
What happens if I enter into a spousal relationship before I retire?
Under plan rules, if you have a survivor pre-retirement when you retire (or when you die, if that happens while you are still working), he or she receives any survivor benefits payable from the Plan, along with your dependent children, if you have any.
If your spousal relationship changes, update your personal data through Employee Self Serve (ESS) or by contacting AccessHR.
What happens if I enter into a spousal relationship after I retire?
If you enter into a spousal or common-law relationship after retirement, your new spouse or common-law partner will not automatically be eligible for survivor benefits from the Plan.
You can opt to reduce your pension to provide a survivor benefit to your spouse or common-law partner acquired after retirement.
You have one year from the later of:
- the day on which the other person becomes your spouse or common-law partner, and
- the day on which your pension benefit becomes payable
to provide a survivor benefit.
Do I have to share my pension benefits if my spousal relationship ends?
You may have to share some or all of the pension you have accrued during your spousal relationship, subject to applicable provincial property law.
Who decides how the pension benefits are split if I have to share my pension benefits ?
The benefits are split according to a court order or separation agreement.
Where do I get more information?
Contact the Pension Centre to request a Marriage breakdown kit.