When death occurs - Pension

You may want to know…

• Are your family members protected in the event of your death?

  If you have 2 or more years of pensionable service, your family is protected under your pension plan in the event of your death. Your eligible survivors maybe be entitled to a survivor benefit and eligible children may be entitled to a child allowance.

  If you have less than two years of pensionable service, your eligible survivors or estate is entitled to a return of your contributions, plus interest.

• Who is able to claim a survivor benefit?

  A survivor benefit is payable to a surviving spouse and/or a common-law partner. If you are separated from your legal spouse but have a partner who may also qualify for an allowance, the benefit would normally be divided between the two applicants based on the period of cohabitation. Please contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre for additional information.

• What documentation is required to make a claim for survivor benefits?

  For a legal spouse, a copy of the marriage certificate is required. For a common-law relationship, sworn statements and other evidence that demonstrates the conjugal nature and the period of the relationship are required. Please contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre for additional information.

• Are there children's allowances payable?

  In the event of your death, your dependant children may be entitled to a child allowance under the public service pension plan. To be eligible for an allowance, your child must normally be under 18 years of age. However, children between 18 and 25 may receive allowances if they are enrolled in school or another educational institution full-time and have attended continuously since their 18th birthday or the date of your death, whichever occurred later.

  The monthly allowance is equal to 10% of your unreduced pension for each child (to a maximum of 40%). If there are more than four children, the maximum combined amount payable may be divided among all the eligible children.

• What is payable to the children if there is no survivor benefit payable?

  When there is no survivor benefit payable to a spouse or common-law partner, the child allowance is equal to 20% of your unreduced pension for each child, to a maximum of 80%.

• Are there any additional death benefits that will be paid out if you pass away?

  Yes. The Supplementary Death Benefit (SDB) is similar to a decreasing term life insurance. The basic benefit is equal to twice your annual salary and decreases by 10% annually starting at age 66, to a minimum of $10,000 by age 75. If you die as an active member of the public service pension plan, your SDB will never reduce below 33% of your annual salary (rounded up to the nearest $1,000) or below $10,000, whichever is greater.

  You can name up to five beneficiaries on the Active Member Pension Portal (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) or by completing and submitting the Naming or Changing Your Beneficiaries (PWGSC-TPSGC 2196) form.

  Under your pension plan, there is a minimum benefit guaranteed should there be no eligible survivors or children. For more information, refer to minimum benefit.

• How is the Supplementary Death Benefit (SDB) calculated?

  The benefit is paid to your designated beneficiaries for Supplementary Death Benefit purposes or, if no beneficiaries are on file, to your estate. The benefit amount is equal to twice your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000. The benefit will be divided equally between your designated beneficiaries.

• Should you inform the Pension Centre if one of your Supplementary Death Benefit (SDB) beneficiaries move?

  Yes, you should update your beneficiaries’ information if they move or predecease you. You can update your beneficiaries’ information on the Active Member Pension Portal (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) or by completing and submitting the Naming or Changing Your Beneficiaries (PWGSC-TPSGC 2196) form.

• Does your Will affect who receives your Supplementary Death Benefit?

  No. Wills, Agreements and Court Orders do not affect who receives your Supplementary Death Benefit (SDB). Your designated SDB beneficiaries will receive your death benefit.

  You can name up to five beneficiaries, including minors, under the SDB. The benefit will be divided equally between your beneficiaries. There is no option to divide the benefit another way.

  A beneficiary can be an individual, your estate, or a registered charity. To divide your SDB between more than five beneficiaries or to choose how to divide the benefit, you can name your estate as the beneficiary. Include clear instructions in your Will on how you’d like the benefit to be divided.