Before retirement
If you are in the process of getting a divorce, your divorce settlement may affect your pension benefits. Your final divorce decree may require you to assign a portion of your pension benefit to your former spouse. More about divorce before retirement
If you are recently married and are thinking of retiring, your retirement date could affect your spouse's benefit after you die. For your surviving spouse to receive full benefits upon your death, you must be married for at least three years and earn at least three years of credited service before you retire.
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After retirement
If you divorce after your retirement date and are receiving your pension benefit in the form of a joint and survivor annuity (or an optional form of distribution with your former spouse named as your beneficiary), your former spouse will automatically receive a survivor benefit if you predecease him or her. More about divorce in retirement
If you marry after retirement, your new spouse is not a beneficiary of the clergy pension plan. However, within 180 days of your marriage you may elect to provide your new spouse with a survivor's benefit by reducing your own pension. Please contact us for the necessary form and calculations.
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