Post-retirement death

What's on this page:

    Overview

    This subsection describes what happens when a member dies after retirement and who may receive the death benefits.

    Post-retirement death benefits

    Order in which death benefits are paid

    This table summarizes the order in which death benefits are paid.

    When the pensioner has... Then the... Receives...
    an eligible spouse eligible spouse A survivor pension paid on death, which is based on the Joint and Survivor election at retirement. Upon death of surviving spouse:
    • survivor pension is paid out to the eligible child(ren) for as long as the child(ren) meets age and education requirements, and/or
    • survivor pension is paid out to the eligible disabled dependant child(ren) for as long as the child(ren) is identified as disabled and financially dependent, and regardless of age and education requirements.
    Note: disabled dependant child(ren) must have been identified as such at time of death of pensioner.
    no eligible spouse eligible child(ren) a survivor pension paid on death as long as the child(ren) meets age and education requirements.
    disabled dependant child(ren) a survivor pension paid on death as long as the child(ren) is identified by the board as disabled and financially dependent on the pensioner.
    no eligible child(ren),
    and no disabled dependant child(ren)    		 designated beneficiary(ies) residual balance, if any.
    no eligible spouse,
    no eligible child(ren),
    no disabled dependant child(ren),
    and no designated beneficiary(ies)    		 pensioner's estate residual balance, if any.

    Post-Retirement death required forms & documentation

    Post-retirement death of a retired member

    The following forms and documentation are needed when a retired member dies after pension payments begin.

    Important: OPB cannot process a Survivor/Death Benefit without the following documentation.

    Documents Required Notes
    A certified true copy of the Pensioner's Death Certificate or Funeral Director's Statement This is required in all cases.
    • Affidavit of Spousal Relationship on Death of Member/Pensioner (OPB 1054) if member retired after 1987 or (OPB 1055) if member retired before 1988
    • Marriage Certificate,
    • Proof of common law relationship
    		 The Affidavit (OPB 1054 or OPB 1055, as applicable) must be completed by the surviving spouse.

    The purpose is to re-confirm the couple's marital status at retirement and/or the time of death.
    OPB1062 - Survivor's Statement (PDF) If there is no designated beneficiary on file, then the Survivor's Statement (OPB1062) must be completed by
    • the surviving spouse,
    • Eligible Child(ren), or
    • Estate Executor/Executrix.
    Note: OPB sends the Survivor's Statement (OPB1062) to the survivor.
    A certified true copy of the Member's Will. A Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee is required where there is no Will and the death benefit from the PSPP is more than $30,000.00.
    Name and address of Estate Executor. This is required if death benefit is going to the pensioner's Estate or no Will exists.