Spousal Relationship Breakdown
Pension benefits are considered family assets under the Manitoba Family Property Act, therefore if a legal separation in either a marriage or common-law relationship has occurred, legislation may require that pension benefits accumulated during the marriage or common-law relationship, be divided. If a Member notifies you that they have experienced a spousal relationship breakdown, have them contact the MEBP Administration Office directly, as MEBP cannot provide Employers with any information pertaining to a Member's pension benefits.
Alternatively, the Member may submit a Relationship Breakdown Data Sheet (Form #34) directly to the MEBP Administration Office by mail, email or fax. It is important that relationship breakdown issues be resolved prior to a Member terminating or retiring from the Pension Plan, as a pending relationship breakdown may result in delays when processing a pension refund benefit or monthly pension payments from the Plan.
IMPORTANT: Pension Plan and Group Insurance Plan beneficiary appointments do not automatically change as a result of a spousal relationship breakdown. As the Employer, you should advise the Member that due to the relationship breakdown, they may wish to review and update their beneficiary designation(s) under the Pension Plan and if applicable, the Group Insurance Plan(s). If the Member wants to change beneficiary information, they must complete the appropriate Change forms. Refer to Changes to Information section of this manual for further instructions.