Pensioners > Survivor Benefits upon the death of a Pensioner > The Spousal Pension

The Spousal Pension

You are the Spouse if, at the time of retirement, you were legally married to or lived with the Pensioner in a common-law relationship for at least one year (or for a shorter period if there are natural or legally adopted Children of the relationship). Under the Plan's definition of Spouse, your spousal status is lost if you were living separate and apart at the time of retirement.

Survivor Benefits

Pensioner FAQ -
Survivor Benefits

Pensioner Handbook -
After you're gone

The normal Spousal Pension is 60% of the Pensioner's lifetime pension amount. Pensioners who retired after 1997 had the option of selecting a 75% Spousal pension in exchange for a lower pension for themselves. This irreversible decision could only be made by the Pensioner at retirement, and only applies to the Spouse who was married to the Pensioner at that time.

You will receive your Spousal pension from the Plan for the rest of your life. Upon your death, if you have Children who are under 18, they will be entitled to collect a Children's pension. Your Beneficiary or Estate may also be entitled to a payment (see "What does a Beneficiary receive?"). If you have not yet named a Beneficiary, you can do so at any time by filling out a Pensioner Change Request form, available from the Plan.

In the event that before the Pensioner died there was a breakdown of the spousal relationship, it is important to note that a separation or divorce agreement could have an impact on any Survivor benefits to be paid. Contact the Plan for more information if this situation applies.

January 2006