Getting married or living common-law

Once you're married or living common-law, your spouse has certain entitlements to your pension funds.

Should you die before you retire, your spouse has first claim to your pension funds and investment earnings – even if you designate someone else as your beneficiary.

Learn more about arranging survivor benefits.

Relationship breakdown

If you're ending a relationship, your spouse may have some rights to your pension funds.

Pension laws​ in each province and territory oversee the division of pension funds upon relationship breakdown.

Pre-retirement

In general terms, the increase in the value of your CSS account during the marriage or relationship is divisible. We can provide calculations for division purposes upon request.​

Post-retirement

If you receive a monthly pension or Variable Benefit payments from the CSS Pension Plan, you must contact us for information on how the relationship breakdown could affect your retirement income.​

Changing your status or name

It is important to let us know if you are changing your marital status and/or name so we can keep your account details current.

Complete the Member Information Change form and supply the required documentation listed on the form to make changes.​