Separation or divorce and your pension

Learn how a separation or divorce affects your pension and review the issues to consider.


Changing beneficiaries after separation

Before you retire

If you and your spouse separate or divorce, your spouse can apply to be a limited member of the plan. As a limited member, your former spouse can name a beneficiary to receive their portion of the pension benefit if they die.

If you are retired

Your ability to change your beneficiary or have multiple beneficiaries is based on the pension option you selected when you retired.

You can change your beneficiary if you chose a single life pension option with a guarantee period and your spouse has waived their beneficiary rights before or after you retired. Please contact us for more information.

You cannot change your beneficiary if you chose a joint life pension option at retirement. This applies even if you have a separation agreement or court order.

If your spouse has passed away, you can nominate an alternate beneficiary if there is a remaining guarantee period.

Visit My Account or check your semi-annual pension statement to find out which pension option you chose at retirement.