How to name (or change) a beneficiary before retirement

Learn how to name your beneficiary while you are an active member of the plan.


If you die before you retire, your beneficiary(ies) will receive a pre-retirement survivor (death) benefit.

When you have a spouse

Your spouse is automatically your beneficiary if you are married or in a common-law relationship of more than two years.

The exception to this is if your spouse gives up their beneficiary right to a pre-retirement survivor (death) benefit. To do this, they must submit Form 4 Spouse’s waiver of beneficiary right to benefits in a pension plan, locked-in retirement account, life income fund or annuity before pension or annuity payments start with your Nomination of beneficiary (pre-retirement) form.

When you do not have a spouse or your spouse has waived their beneficiary right

If you do not have a spouse or your spouse has given up their beneficiary right to a pre-retirement survivor benefit, you can name one or more beneficiaries other than your spouse to receive this benefit.

In this situation, you can name a beneficiary or beneficiaries by:

  • Signing in to My Account (if your spouse has waived their right, you can access My Account once we have the waiver form on file)
  • Submitting the Nomination of beneficiary (pre-retirement) form to the plan

Naming a beneficiary online through My Account or submitting the Nomination of beneficiary (pre-retirement) form also allows you to:

  • Name an alternate beneficiary(ies) if your spouse dies before you
  • Name your beneficiaries (and their alternates) if you do not have a spouse or your spouse has given up their rights to a pre-retirement survivor (death) benefit

Follow these same steps to change your beneficiary(ies).

Naming a beneficiary online or submitting the Nomination of beneficiary (pre-retirement) form will replace and revoke any previous beneficiary(ies) you have named.

Note: if you are divorced or separated, all beneficiary nominations must comply with any separation agreements or court orders.


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