OPTrust Plan changes improve survivor benefits for dependent children

Effective April 1, 2023, two significant changes were enacted to the OPSEU Pension Plan that provide improved survivor benefits for dependent children.These changes are substantial improvements to survivor benefits and provide members with peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are financially secure in the event of their untimely passing.The first change expands the definition of child to include disabled children. Previously only children under the age of 18 or those in continuous full-time attendance at a secondary or post secondary school (for up to five years immediately following secondary school) were deemed eligible to receive survivor benefits. Now, disabled children regardless of age and education, who meet specific eligibility criteria will be eligible to receive survivor benefits.The second change impacts the order of entitlement for pre-retirement survivor benefits. Previously, when a member died before retirement, children were second to receive a survivor pension and only for service earned prior to 1987. With the changes introduced on April 1, if a member dies before they retire, a survivor pension for service after 1986 will be payable to eligible children if:

• The member does not have a spouse at the time of their death, or
• The member’s spouse has waived their right to a survivor benefit, or
• The spouse dies while they are entitled to a survivor pension.

For more information and to read more about OPTrust survivor benefits, please visit Plan changes improve survivor benefits for dependent children (optrust.com).The OPSEU Pension Trust (OPTrust) invests and manages one of Canada’s largest pension funds and administers at the OPSEU Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan with over 100,000 members and retirees.  OPTrust delivers retirement security to retirees in over 300 communities across Ontario and remits more than $1 billion in annual pension payments.OPTrust Announcement