Post-Retirement Spouse Option

In recognition of the fact that pensioners may marry, re-marry, or enter a new spousal relationship in retirement, HOOPP has made a spousal pension available to post-retirement spouses, at the pensioner’s expense.

This option – which went into effect Jan. 1, 2006 -- is not available if the qualifying spouse you had at the time of retirement is still living.

If you had a spouse at retirement, and that person did not waive spousal benefits, you may not be able to take advantage of this option. Even if you have divorced, and remarried, if the spouse you had at retirement is still living, this option is not open to you.

If you elect to provide your post-retirement spouse with a survivor pension, you will have an actuarial reduction made to your benefits to reflect the cost of providing benefits for an additional lifetime. The actuarial reduction is in addition to any other pension reductions you might have, and the post-retirement spousal pension – like regular spousal pensions – will not include any bridge or transition benefits you may be receiving. The adjustment will be based on the ages of you and your spouse at the time the election is made.

It’s important to realize that this is an optional form of pension. A pensioner who enters a new spousal relationship in retirement is under no obligation to elect this form of pension, and the new spouse has no automatic legal entitlement to this benefit.

To receive an estimate for this option, contact HOOPP.

If you would like to apply, please fill out and return to HOOPP the form, Post-Retirement Spousal Benefits Application.