After over a decade of dedicated lobbying efforts, significant progress has been made for Public Service Employees with regard to the Supplemental Death Benefit (SDB) administrative procedures. Effective June 1, 2024, pivotal changes have been implemented, allowing individuals to designate up to five beneficiaries for the SDB.
This long-awaited enhancement to SDB, championed by PIPSC and our colleagues at other bargaining agents and the retirees' association. represents a significant milestone. As of June 1, 2024, both retirees and active employees can now allocate multiple beneficiaries to the SDB, providing them with greater flexibility and control over their financial and Estate planning.
Previously, the SDB only allowed for the designation of a single beneficiary. To circumvent this limitation, individuals often designated their "Estate" as the beneficiary, subsequently assigning beneficiaries in their last will and testament. However, this approach necessitated the probate of the estate. The probate process, often protracted and intricate, carries significant tax implications
For comprehensive details on these administrative changes and their implications, please refer to