Beneficiaries
As an SFPP member, you may designate individuals or charities to receive your SFPP benefit upon your death. They are known as beneficiaries, which is different than a pension partner.
A pension partner is first in line to receive any SFPP benefit and is solely entitled to a lifetime pension after the SFPP member passes.
A beneficiary may only receive an SFPP benefit if the SFPP member does not have a pension partner at the time of their passing, or if the pension partner has waived their right to the SFPP benefit. If a beneficiary is entitled to the SFPP benefit, it will be in the form of a 1-time payment.
Naming Beneficiaries
You may name 1 or multiple beneficiaries, each receiving an equal or a different percentage of your SFPP benefit. If you pass away while collecting your pension, the pension option you chose at retirement may impact the amount each beneficiary is eligible to receive.
Review your beneficiary information:
- on the Pension Highlights statement you receive each year; or
- online under Plan Beneficiaries in your secure account.
Make changes to your beneficiary information:
- on the Plan Beneficiaries page in your secure account;
- send us a completed Designation of Beneficiary(ies) form; or
- use your Will (if this is the case, the indication must refer specifically to either the Special Forces Pension Plan or your "employment-based pension plan").
If you don't have a pension partner and haven't named a beneficiary, funds will be paid out to your estate.
If you're naming a minor or a dependent adult as an SFPP beneficiary, name a trustee to look after the funds on their behalf, otherwise a Public Trustee may be appointed.
Consider getting legal and financial advice when you're making these decisions.