Survivorship Benefits

A survivorship benefit is a post (after) retirement death benefit available to a plan participant’s spouse, provided that the participant (the retiree) meets specific eligibility requirements and providing that the participant elects (applies for) a survivorship benefit at the time he or she applies for their retirement or disability benefits.

The employee funds survivorship benefits. The eligible employee’s monthly benefit is reduced to fund this benefit for their spouse. Benefits are reduced by taking into consideration the ages of the pensioner and spouse at retirement along with the type of option elected.

Who is eligible to apply for Survivorship Benefits?

• Employees who are eligible for an early or regular retirement allowance,
• Employees applying for a disability allowance, who have twenty-five (25) years of continuous pension service.
• An Employee must be legally married at the time he or she begins receiving a retirement or disability allowance, AND
• Employees who complete applications for survivorship benefits prior to receiving their first retirement or disability allowance benefit.

Remember:
An employee can only apply for a survivorship for his or her legal spouse.

Supporting Forms and Application

All forms may not be required.

Completed signed forms must be received in the Pension Office no later than the fourteenth (14th) day of the month preceding your month of retirement.  For example, if you wish to retire on June 1st, your completed application must be in the Retirement Plan Office no later than May 14th.

	Application for Payment of Death Benefit - Application for Payment of Death Benefit
	Election of Survivor OPTION A - Election of Survivor OPTION A
	Election of Survivor OPTION B - Election of Survivor OPTION B
	Explanation of tax Rules and Applicaion for Death Benefit Payments to Surviving Spouse - Explanation of tax Rules and Applicaion for Death Benefit Payments to Surviving Spouse
	Retirement Plan Designation or Change of Beneficiary - Use this form when designating or changing beneficiary