DEATH BENEFIT

A death benefit is payable if a member dies in or out of service before he/she is paid his/her benefits.

If the member had already qualified to go on retirement at the time of death, their spouse will be entitled to receive a monthly pension guaranteed for five (5) years, and thereafter for life. In addition, a funeral assistance (Additional Death Benefit) will be paid to the surviving spouse or beneficiaries to assist with funeral expenses.

OR

If the member had not yet qualified to go on retirement at the time of death, then their spouse, children or other beneficiaries, will receive a lump sum pension benefit equivalent to the sum of the employer and employee contributions, plus accumulated interest. In addition, a funeral assistance (Additional Death Benefit) will be paid to the surviving spouse or beneficiaries, to assist with funeral expenses.

Entitlement of Death Benefits

The Pension and Provident Funds Regulations provide that death benefits should be paid in the following order:

• Surviving spouse(s) and dependent children;
• Parents;
• Siblings;
• Nominated beneficiaries; or
• Estate of the late member.

Requirements for Processing Death Benefits and ADB

• An Advice of Withdrawal Form (Form BN1) should be completed by both the employer and the beneficiary of the deceased member and submitted to the Fund for processing;
• Copy of death certificate or burial order;
• A copy of the beneficiary’s National Identification Document (National ID Card, Valid Passport, or a Driver’s License);
• Proof of Marriage (Marriage Certificate or Affidavits); and
• Children’s Long Birth Certificates.