Designating or changing beneficiaries
It is important that you keep your beneficiaries updated so that survivor benefits can be assessed in accordance with the plan text. This means keeping your records with the plan up-to-date, but also being sure to notify your chosen beneficiaries of their status. Keeping your personal information updated is especially important when ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death.
After notable life events like a change in marital status, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a spouse, it is necessary to update the PJPP’s Plan Manager, the Ontario Pension Board (OPB). You should also review your beneficiary designations periodically to ensure they still accurately reflect your wishes. To update OPB, visit the Contact Us page for details.
Beneficiaries under the PJPP include:
Eligible spouse – Spouse is someone of the same or opposite sex who:
- is married to you, or
- has been living with you in a conjugal (common law) relationship continuously for at least three years, or
- is in a relationship of some permanence with you if, together, you:
- are the natural or adoptive parents of a child, or
- have shown intent to treat a child (other than a foster child) as a member of your family.
Only the spouse at the time of your retirement and death is eligible for any survivor pension payable after you retire. If you enter into a spousal relationship after retirement, your new spouse will not be eligible for a survivor pension.
Eligible child – A child who is the natural or adopted child of you and/or your spouse (or a child for whom you have shown intent to treat as a member of your family) who is:
- under 16, or
- 16 to 18 and financially dependent, or
- at least 18, attending school to a maximum of 5 years from the completion of secondary school.
Disabled dependant child – A disabled child regardless of age. A survivor allowance will be paid to the child as long as the child’s disability continues.