Tell us if a retired plan member dies
Please let us know if a retired plan member dies. We will contact their beneficiary (or beneficiaries) if a death benefit is payable to them.
After a plan member dies, contact us to:
- Identify the plan member using their full name – you will need two personal identifiers such as their Person ID, date of birth, telephone number or address
- Provide contact information for the executor named in the will
- Provide a copy of the death certificate
It's important to contact us promptly and let us know the plan member has died so we don't overpay the pension; any overpayment will have to be paid back to the plan. The last regular pension payment occurs at the end of the month in which the plan member dies.
Once we know of a retired member’s death, we will stop paying the pension and start the process for paying any potential death benefits to named beneficiary(ies).
We will send a letter to the executor, named beneficiary(ies) or spouse explaining the death benefits, including the amount, and how they will be paid. This letter will also state whether the beneficiary is entitled to health coverage.Health coverage through a retired member’s plan
If you are the spouse or dependant of a retired member who has died and were receiving extended health care and/or dental coverage through the pension plan, you may be eligible for individual coverage through Green Shield Canada.
If this applies to you, we will send you information on your coverage options.
If the retired member was under age 65 when they died, a group life insurance benefit may be available to you (as the spouse or dependant) if this option was selected at retirement. For more information, contact BC Public Service Agency's MyHR toll-free at 1-877-277-0772.
Death benefits from other agencies
Inform Service Canada of the plan member’s death. It can answer your questions about the Canada Pension Plan, old age security and related federal programs.