Beneficiaries & Survivor Benefits

A member’s qualifying spouse is, by law, the primary beneficiary for HOOPP benefits unless a spousal waiver is signed.

If a member’s qualifying spouse is the primary beneficiary, the member can also name a secondary beneficiary -- a person, persons, organization, or the estate. This secondary “non-spouse” beneficiary will receive any benefits payable after both the member and spouse have died.

If the member doesn’t have a spouse, or spousal benefits have been waived, the member can name anyone as the primary beneficiary. Again, this non-spouse beneficiary can be a person, persons, organization, or estate.

The benefits payable depend on whether the member’s death occurs before or after retirement.

For details, please see our Survivor Benefits section.

Updating your designations

Getting married, having a child or other family changes? Find out how to update your beneficiary designation.