Pensions for surviving spouses
Should you die before retiring, your eligible spouse and children will receive pension benefits and a life insurance benefit.
If you die in retirement, your eligible spouse or named beneficiary will begin receiving benefits in the percentage you designated at the time of retirement.
Questions?
Call Pension Services
(866) 802-6333
8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) Monday - Friday or email us
Divorce, marriage, and your pension
If you divorce before retirement, your divorce settlement may affect your pension benefits.
If you divorce after retirement, your former spouse may be entitled to receive a portion of your pension while you are alive.
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.
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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