A change in your spousal relationship may affect who receives benefits in the event of your death.
A spousal relationship change includes:
Entering a new spousal relationship*
- Getting married
- Becoming common-law
- Becoming a registered domestic partner
Ending a spousal relationship
- Separation**
- Divorce
- End of domestic partnership
If divorce occurs, the division of your pension benefit is not automatic. To complete a division of your pension benefit, you must provide a copy of the court order from the Supreme Court.
An example of a Spousal Relationship Change Court Order.
Important Facts:
- Your former spouse, common-law partner, or domestic partner may be entitled to receive up to one half of the pension benefit earned during the period of marriage.
- The period of marriage must be defined in the court order. It begins at the date of marriage, domestic partnership, or cohabitation, and ends at the date of separation.
- The payment to your ex spouse will not be retroactive but will be paid on a go-forward basis and included in the payroll cycle following receipt of the court order.
- If you are married, it is important to note that a legal separation is not sufficient to split pension assets, this can only be initiated upon divorce.
In the event of a pension division:
If we receive the court order after retirement, your ex-spouse may receive their share of the pension benefit earned during the period of marriage as a monthly pension.
If you have had a Spousal Relationship change, if is important to notify us:
- For active members, please complete a Member Information Form and return it to our office.
- For retired members:
- If you retired prior to April 1, 2024, please complete a Member Information Form.
- If you are a retiree, or a survivor of a retiree, who retired on or after April 1, 2024, please contact our office.
*For members who retired prior to April 1, 2024; if you enter a new spousal relationship after retirement, you must be in that relationship a minimum of 3 consecutive years prior to your date of death for that spouse to qualify for a survivor benefit.
*For members who retired on or after April 1, 2024: If you enter a new spousal relationship after retirement, your new spouse does not qualify for a survivor benefit.
** In the case of separation, your separated spouse would still be considered your spouse and would be eligible to receive a survivor pension in the event of your death.