Spouse

Definition of spouse

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If you have an eligible spouse, that person may be entitled to certain benefits, including in the event of your death, whether it occurs before or after retirement. It is therefore important to clearly understand who is recognized as a spouse and what protections are available to them.

Do you have a spouse according to the Desjardins Group Pension Plan (DGPP)?

In Quebec, under the DGPP, a person is recognized as your spouse if they meet one of the following criteria:

• You are legally married or civilly united with this person, and you are not legally separated from bed and board.

• You have been living in a marital relationship for at least 3 years.

• You have been living in a marital relationship for at least 1 year and:

• A child has been born or is expected from your union.

• You have jointly adopted a child.

• One of you has adopted the other’s child.

• You have been living in a marital relationship for at least one year and have formally designated this person in writing as your spouse.

If none of these criteria are met, you do not have a recognized spouse under the DGPP.

At retirement, your spouse is the person identified at the time you retire. If you have a new spouse after your retirement begins, that person cannot be recognized as your spouse under the DGPP.

Please note

• The full definition of a spouse is provided in Section 9.2 and in the appendices of the Plan Regulation.

• Provincial laws may define the term spouse differently and take precedence. Consult the definition of spouse by province.

Your spouse’s rights upon your death

If you pass away before retirement, the value of your pension accumulated under the DGPP will be paid: 

• To your eligible spouse, if applicable, unless they have formally waived their right in writing.

• To your designated beneficiaries, if you do not have a spouse.

If you pass away after retirement, your spouse will be entitled to a pension equal to at least 60% of yours, provided they were designated as your spouse at the time of retirement and that this option was selected.

To learn more, visit the Death page.

In the event of a breakdown in the union

In the event of a breakup, such as divorce or legal separation, your rights in the DGPP may be shared with your former spouse.

To learn more, visit the Divorce page.

Your spouse’s option to waive their rights

Before retirement, your spouse may waive their rights by signing the Spouse's Waiver of Death Benefits Before Retirement form, as permitted by law. This waiver can be revoked at any time by your spouse, as long as you are alive and your pension payments have not yet begun.

At the time of retirement, a new form must be signed by your spouse if they wish to waive the benefits that would otherwise be payable to them upon your death.

Desjardins Group Pension Plan

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Spouse

Definition of spouse

Do you have a spouse according to the Desjardins Group Pension Plan (DGPP)?

Your spouse’s rights upon your death

In the event of a breakdown in the union

Your spouse’s option to waive their rights

Spouse

Definition of spouse

Do you have a spouse according to the Desjardins Group Pension Plan (DGPP)? ​​​​​

Your spouse’s rights upon your death

​In the event of a breakdown in the union ​​​

Your spouse’s option to waive their rights ​

Do you have a spouse according to the Desjardins Group Pension Plan (DGPP)?

In the event of a breakdown in the union

Your spouse’s option to waive their rights