It is not necessary to name your spouse as your designated beneficiary because an eligible spouse will receive your survivor benefits. This automatic right to your pension is enshrined in provincial pension law. The only exception to this rule applies when a valid separation agreement or court order assigns part of your benefit to a former spouse. By designating a beneficiary, you decide who should get your pension death benefits in case your spouse dies before you do.

If you want your children to receive the biggest death benefit possible, you must name them as your designated beneficiaries. Although dependent children automatically receive a survivor pension for as long as they qualify for it, there is often a benefit, in addition to their pension, to pay out. This benefit can be substantial if your dependent children are older and will qualify for a pension for only a few years. Children who aren't dependent on you will not receive any benefits unless they are named as your designated beneficiary.

To be eligible for pre-retirement survivor benefits, your married or common-law spouse must be living with you at the time of your death. A common-law spouse is only eligible if you have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least three continuous years or less if you are the natural or adoptive parents of a child.

If you do not have an eligible spouse when you die, your children will receive a survivor pension if they are reliant on you for support at the time of your death and they are:

• under age 18;
• 18 to 24 years of age and enrolled in full-time, continuous education; or
• disabled, having been disabled since the date of your death.

If you have more than one dependent child, the survivor pension will be divided evenly and the divided amount is payable to each child for as long as he or she qualifies for it.

You can name a minor as your designated beneficiary. A child aged 18 or older receives survivor benefits directly, while payments for a minor child are provided to the court-appointed guardian of the child’s property. If there is no guardian, benefits are paid into court until the child reaches age 18.