Who you can name as a beneficiary

Learn who you can name as a beneficiary to receive your pension benefit when you die.

1. Name a trustee for your beneficiary

3. Name a trust as your beneficiary

5. Name beneficiaries in your will

2. Name an organization as your beneficiary

4. Name your estate as your beneficiary

Name a trust as your beneficiary

You can name a trust as your beneficiary. A trust is an arrangement in which a trustee is designated to hold or manage property in the best interests of a beneficiary.

When you die, the trustee will distribute your pension benefit according to the instructions set out in the trust.

When naming a trust, include the trust account number on the nomination of beneficiary form to ensure timely payment. This number is issued by Canada Revenue Agency and starts with a “T” followed by an eight-digit number.