Survivor benefits if you die before retirement
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Email the linkIf you die before retirement and at the time of your death you have an eligible spouse, your spouse automatically receives the survivor benefits unless they have waived their rights. Your spouse may waive their entitlement to a survivor benefit by completing the applicable waiver, Form 4 - Waiver of Pre-Retirement Death Benefit, available on the FSRA website.
If you do not have an eligible spouse that is entitled to a survivor benefit or your surviving spouse dies while they are entitled to a survivor pension, your eligible children are next in line for a survivor benefit. You may also designate beneficiaries to receive survivor benefits, in case you do not have an eligible spouse or eligible children who are entitled to survivor benefits when you die. You can update your beneficiaries using your Online Services account or by completing a Member Spousal Information and Beneficiary Designation (OPTrust 1015) form.
Eligibility for survivor benefits will be determined at the time of your death.
SURVIVOR BENEFITS
The following chart explains, under the current plan terms, who is eligible to receive the survivor benefit if you die before retirement and what the benefit is:
IF NO ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS OR BENEFICIARIES
When a member does not have any eligible survivor(s), that is, there is no eligible spouse, eligible children or other beneficiary designated by the member, any funds that are payable from the Plan will be paid to the member’s estate.
WHEN DEATH OCCURS
A package is sent to the eligible survivor(s) or the executor of the member’s estate. This personalized package provides details of any survivor benefits.
Notification of death
If you die while employed, your survivor should contact your employer who will contact OPTrust.