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Death Benefits

What Happens When I Die?

Upon your death, after retirement, your surviving spouse or your estate will receive a $3,000 lump sum member’s death benefit provided that you had 10 years of Credited Service in the Lutheran Church–Canada Pension Plan prior to retirement. Otherwise, the benefit amount available will be reduced by $300 for each year less than 10 years.

What Happens to My Pension When I Die?

If You Have a Spouse at Retirement

If you have a spouse, the normal form of payment is a lifetime pension with a five-year guaranteed term and a 66-2/3% surviving spouse’s pension (known as a joint and survivor pension). This means if you die within five years of retiring, your spouse will continue to receive 100% of your monthly pension for the balance of the five years. After that, 66-2/3% of your pension will continue to be paid to your spouse for the rest of his or her lifetime. If you die after the end of the five-year guaranteed term, your spouse will begin to receive 66-2/3% of your pension immediately.

If You Do Not Have a Spouse at Retirement

If you don’t have a spouse, the normal payment form is a lifetime pension with a 10-year guarantee. This means that if you die within 10 years of retiring, your designated beneficiary or estate will receive 100% of your monthly pension for the balance of the 10 years.

What if My Spouse Dies Before Me?

After retirement, if you survive your spouse, you will receive a lump sum death benefit of $3000 upon his/her death, provided that your spouse had been enrolled for survivor coverage for 10 years prior to your retirement. Otherwise, the benefit amount available will be reduced by $300 for each year less than 10 years. If you do not survive your spouse, the dependent death benefit will be payable to his/her estate.