The death benefit payable from the plan if your pension benefits are not vested is a refund of your contributions with interest.
If you're no longer actively contributing to the Plan (and you're not in receipt of long-term disability benefits) and you die, your spouse/pension partner will be entitled to a pension on the first of the month following the date you would have become 55.
If you're actively contributing to the Plan (or in receipt of long-term disability benefits) and you die and your pension benefits are vested, your spouse/pension partner will be entitled to a pension on the first of the month following your date of death.
If you have no spouse/pension partner but you have dependent minor children (under 18 years of age), your dependent minor children will receive double your contributions with interest, plus the value of any actuarial purchases of pensionable service.
If you have no spouse/pension partner or dependent minor children, your designated beneficiary or estate will receive your contributions with interest, plus the value of any actuarial purchases of pensionable service.
Please refer to Death Before Retirement for more information.