Survivor Benefits
	Your eligible spouse or dependent children are entitled to survivor benefits to help them maintain financial security after you die. You should also designate a beneficiary in case you die before retirement.
	Many teachers expect to live long into retirement, supported by a lifetime pension. But what happens when you die? If eligible, your spouse or children are entitled to survivor benefits to help them maintain financial security. The type and amount of benefit depends on your credit in the pension plan, and whether you die before or after retirement. Eligibility Eligibility for survivor benefits is sequential. Benefits are to be paid to: 1. Your eligible spouse. 2. Your dependent children, if you don't have an eligible spouse. 3. Your designated beneficiary, if you don't have an eligible spouse, you die before retirement and benefits remain after dependent children have been taken into account. 4. Your estate.
	A former spouse may be entitled to a portion of your pre- or post-retirement death benefit if spelled out in a separation agreement or court order, providing the payment represents no more than 50 per cent of your death benefit accrued during your marriage.

	Posted August 2005	TOP