Your spouse is automatically entitled to 100% of your death benefit if you die before you retire. However, your spouse may waive the right to your death benefit by signing a Spousal Waiver of Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit form.
NOTE: Your spouse may revoke a spousal waiver at any time before you die.
Learn more about designating beneficiaries in the MEPP In-Depth on Designation of Beneficiary (Before Retirement).
Before Waiving Benefits
Before your spouse waives the right to your death benefit, you and your spouse should:
- investigate and fully understand the benefits payable to a spouse under MEPP and when they are payable; and
- seek legal counsel to help you understand the implications of a waiver.
You, your spouse, and legal counsel, may refer to the Acts and Regulations that govern spousal benefits for members of MEPP. These are the relevant federal and provincial acts and their related regulations:
- The Income Tax Act (Canada);
- The Pension Benefits Act, 1992; and
- The Municipal Employees’ Pension Act.
You can access the Acts and Regulations from Publications Saskatchewan online at publications.saskatchewan.ca or by calling 1-800-226-7302 (toll-free in Saskatchewan).
Filing a Waiver
To file a spousal waiver, your spouse must complete a Spousal Waiver of Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit form.
Naming Beneficiaries
- If your spouse completes a waiver and files it with Plannera, you must complete a new Designation of Beneficiary form.
- In this form, you must name one or more beneficiaries who will receive the death benefit waived by your spouse.
- If your spouse is not named as a beneficiary, they will not receive any portion of the death benefit.
- If you do not name one or more beneficiaries, the death benefit waived by your spouse will be paid to your estate if you die.
Learn more about designating beneficiaries in the MEPP In-Depth on Designation of Beneficiary (Before Retirement).