Beneficiaries

When a member passes away, their beneficiaries may be entitled to receive death benefits.

It is very important for members to keep their MEPP beneficiary information up-to-date. Members can review or make changes to their beneficiary information by logging in to Your Pension Profile.

More on death before retirement More on death after retirement

If a member passes away, their pension partner is automatically the recipient of their MEPP benefits unless they have completed a waiver to revoke this right. In all cases, it is important for members to designate their beneficiary(ies), especially if they do not have a pension partner or in unforeseen cases where a member and their spouse or partner pass away at the same time.

Please note: If a member has Combined Pensionable Service (CPS), it is important that their pension partner and beneficiary information is up-to-date in both MEPP and the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP).

If they wish, members can name people or charities as their beneficiaries. 

If a member names a charity, they must use the full name and charitable organization number rather than a person's name.

If a member is naming a minor or a dependent adult, the member might want to name a trustee to look after the funds on their behalf. If a member does not name a trustee, a trustee from Alberta's Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee will be appointed.

Members can use their Will to tell us who their beneficiary is, but it must refer to either MEPP or the member’s employment-based pension plans.

If a member does not have a pension partner (or if their pension partner completes a pre-retirement death benefit waiver) and the member has not named a beneficiary, funds will be paid out to the member’s estate.

Consider seeking independent legal and financial advice from professionals when making these decisions.