As a member of the OPSEU Pension Plan (the Plan), your married or common-law spouse may be entitled to survivor benefits when you die. Before paying any benefits to your spouse, OPTrust will need to confirm that your spousal relationship meets the Plan’s requirements.
When does OPTrust need proof of my spousal relationship?
You or your spouse will need to provide proof of your spousal relationship when you:
end your employment
change employers and move to another pension plan due to a divestment
retire
die
You will also be required to provide proof of your spousal relationship if you acquire a new spouse after you retire and apply to OPTrust to provide your post-retirement spouse with a survivor pension.
What documents does OPTrust need to help confirm my spousal relationship?
To help OPTrust determine whether your spouse qualifies for survivor benefits, we will need one of the following documents to be completed:
A Confirmation of Marital Status (this is included in the Pension Option Election package members receive when they end their membership in the Plan or retire).
or
A Declaration of Spousal Relationship (OPTrust 1059) form completed by your spouse if you die before you retire.
Along with one of the forms listed above, OPTrust will also need the following documents:
If you are legally married:
a copy of your marriage certificate if not already on file with OPTrust.
If you have been living together in a common-law relationship for less than three years and are the parents of a child:
A copy of a birth certificate or adoption papers for your child naming you both as parents.
One document from the list below.
If you have been living together in a common-law relationship for three years or more:
Two documents from the list below. One of the two documents must be dated at least three years before your membership in the Plan ends.
List of common-law proof documents
Copies of joint mortgage statements, property tax assessments, property or auto insurance or rental/lease agreements in both names for the shared address.
Copies of utility bills (e.g. hydro, water, gas, cable, telephone, internet) in both names for the shared address.
Copies of account statements (e.g. bank account, credit card, line of credit) in both names.
A legal will naming the other as spouse or partner.
Statements identifying either of you as the other’s spouse under health/dental benefit plans, life or auto insurance policies, other pension plans or investment accounts (e.g. RRSP, TFSA).
A valid Power of Attorney, naming the other as attorney and spouse or partner.
One of the following on file with OPTrust, naming the same spouse:
a Member Spousal Information and Beneficiary Designation (OPTrust 1015) form or
information you provided through your Online Services account.
OPTrust may request more information or consider documents other than those listed above.