Divorce or separate
Divorce or separate
Your pension is an important family asset. If your marriage or common-law partnership ends, your former spouse may be entitled to part of the pension you earned while you were together. This process is guided by Manitoba legislation and requires either a court order or a written agreement to divide family assets.
If you’re navigating a divorce or separation—or have recently been through one—reach out to CSSB. We’re here to help you understand what this means for your pension.
Common-law partner definitions
In Manitoba, a common-law partner is either:
- Someone who registered a common-law relationship under The Vital Statistics Act, or
- Someone who has lived with you in a conjugal relationship:
- For at least three years if either of you is married, or
- For at least one year if neither of you is married
Process
CSSB will provide an estimate, outlining the possible pension entitlement. Based on this estimate, you and your former spouse apply to divide the pension. Both parties can also agree to not divide the pension.
1.Submit a Separation Calculation Request Form or written request
You, your former spouse, or legal counsel for either party can request this.
If someone other than you (the member) makes the request for a calculation, a copy will be sent to you.
You can complete the Separation Calculation Request form or make a written request by email, mail, fax, or Online Services.
Include:
- Your (the member’s) name, date of birth, and employee number or CSSB PIN
- Former spouse/partner’s name and date of birth
- Full date of marriage or when you started living together (whichever is earliest)
- Full date of separation
- Your (member’s) current mailing address
- Former spouse/partner’s current mailing address, and mailing addresses for any other parties you would like the information sent to (e.g., legal counsel)
NOTE: Forms to divide the pension won’t be provided until we have the contact information for the former spouse/partner and/or their legal counsel.
2. Receive documents
CSSB will send you and your former spouse (or their legal counsel):
- A statement of entitlements earned during your relationship
- Applicable forms
Dividing a pension – before or after retirement
Before retirement: If your pension is divided before retirement, your former spouse receives a lump sum payment. Your pension is reduced when you retire.
After retirement: If your pension is divided after retirement, monthly pension payments are split between you and your former spouse. The division can’t be settled as a lump sum payment.
Settlement options
If you separated on or before September 30, 2021:
- Your former spouse’s pension entitlement is equal to 50% of the pension earned during the relationship.
- Both parties can agree to not divide the pension.
- If you both have pensions, the division may be based on the difference between the two pension values.
If you separated on or after October 1, 2021:
- You or your former spouse can agree to a division anywhere from 0% to 50% of the pension earned during your relationship.
Update your pension and insurance beneficiary
If you remarried or have a new common-law partner, you can add their information through your Online Services account. You should also update your insurance beneficiary by completing the designation forms or by contacting your employer.
Many life changes can affect your pension. Explore the different events below to learn more. Contact CSSB if you have questions.
Divorce or separate
Your pension is an important family asset. If your marriage or common-law partnership ends, your former spouse may be entitled to part of the pension you earned while you were together. This process is guided by Manitoba legislation and requires either a court order or a written agreement to divide family assets.
If you’re navigating a divorce or separation—or have recently been through one—reach out to CSSB. We’re here to help you understand what this means for your pension.
Common-law partner definitions
In Manitoba, a common-law partner is either:
- Someone who registered a common-law relationship under The Vital Statistics Act, or
- Someone who has lived with you in a conjugal relationship:
- For at least three years if either of you is married, or
- For at least one year if neither of you is married
Process
CSSB will provide an estimate, outlining the possible pension entitlement. Based on this estimate, you and your former spouse apply to divide the pension. Both parties can also agree to not divide the pension.
1.Submit a Separation Calculation Request Form or written request
You, your former spouse, or legal counsel for either party can request this.
If someone other than you (the member) makes the request for a calculation, a copy will be sent to you.
You can complete the Separation Calculation Request form or make a written request by email, mail, fax, or Online Services.
Include:
- Your (the member’s) name, date of birth, and employee number or CSSB PIN
- Former spouse/partner’s name and date of birth
- Full date of marriage or when you started living together (whichever is earliest)
- Full date of separation
- Your (member’s) current mailing address
- Former spouse/partner’s current mailing address, and mailing addresses for any other parties you would like the information sent to (e.g., legal counsel)
NOTE: Forms to divide the pension won’t be provided until we have the contact information for the former spouse/partner and/or their legal counsel.
2. Receive documents
CSSB will send you and your former spouse (or their legal counsel):
- A statement of entitlements earned during your relationship
- Applicable forms
Dividing a pension – before or after retirement
Before retirement: If your pension is divided before retirement, your former spouse receives a lump sum payment. Your pension is reduced when you retire.
After retirement: If your pension is divided after retirement, monthly pension payments are split between you and your former spouse. The division can’t be settled as a lump sum payment.
Settlement options
If you separated on or before September 30, 2021:
- Your former spouse’s pension entitlement is equal to 50% of the pension earned during the relationship.
- Both parties can agree to not divide the pension.
- If you both have pensions, the division may be based on the difference between the two pension values.
If you separated on or after October 1, 2021:
- You or your former spouse can agree to a division anywhere from 0% to 50% of the pension earned during your relationship.
Update your pension and insurance beneficiary
If you remarried or have a new common-law partner, you can add their information through your Online Services account. You should also update your insurance beneficiary by completing the designation forms or by contacting your employer.