Choose a question below. If you require more information on issues and situations of particular interest to you, please feel free to contact us.
Q: What are the definitions of “spouse” and “common-law partner?”
A: “Spouse” refers to the person who is married to the Plan member/former Plan member.
“Common-law partner” refers to:
- At least three years (if either of them is married), or
- At least one year (if neither of them is married).
Q: What does it mean if I defer my pension?
A: At retirement, you have the option of deferring your pension payment to a later date. For example, you could retire in May and choose to start receiving your pension benefit in February of the following year. If you defer your pension, payments are not made retroactive to your original retirement date. As deferring pension is not normally to a member’s advantage, please contact our Member Services team before you decide whether or not to defer your pension.
Q: Who can I name as my beneficiary?
A: If you are single, you can name anyone as your beneficiary. If you have a spouse/common-law partner who has not signed the Spousal/Common-law Partner Waiver form, your spouse/common-law partner must be your beneficiary.
Q: How do I start my monthly pension?
A: Four to five months prior to the date you are eligible to retire, contact HEB Manitoba and request a retirement application package. Complete and return it to HEB Manitoba along with proof of your age (e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport).
Q: When is my pension paid?
A: Your monthly pension payments are directly deposited on the first of each month into the Canadian bank account you have chosen.
If you work in the month before your pension starts, your employer and HEB Manitoba will need time to verify and process your actual earnings, contributions and service to your employment end date. In this situation, your first pension payment will be made during the month in which your pension is scheduled to start, and regular payments will begin on the first of the next month. For example, if you work until June 28 and your pension start date is July 1, your first payment will be made during the month of July and your second payment will be made on August 1. Subsequent payments will then be made on the first of each month.
Q: What deductions are taken off my pension cheque?
A: The Healthcare Employees' Pension Plan (HEPP) is required to deduct income tax based on your gross monthly pension income.
If you choose post-retirement life insurance, the premiums will be deducted from your monthly pension payment.
If you apply for Retiree Healthcare Plan coverage, premiums will be deducted from your pension payment.
Q: What happens if I return to work after I’ve already started receiving my HEPP pension?
A: If you return to work with a healthcare facility that participates in HEPP, you have the following choices:
Before you decide to continue or suspend your pension, please contact our Member Services team at HEB Manitoba.
Q: I was involved in a marriage break up after December 31, 1983. Does this impact the pension I receive from HEPP?
A: The Pension Benefits Act of Manitoba states that if a marriage break up occurs on or after January 1, 1984, and there is a written agreement dividing family assets, the value of pension benefit credits earned during the period of marriage must also be divided. You will need to contact the Plan to have the value determined.
The division of the pension benefit credits may be waived, or paid out. If your former spouse/common-law partner receives a share of your pension, there will be an offset applied to your monthly pension. Please contact a HEB Manitoba Senior Pension & Benefits Specialist if you would like further information.