What You Need To Know

When you get married or once your common-law relationship meets the eligibility criteria, there are a few important steps to take to ensure your benefits, retirement plans and personal records are up to date.

What You Need To Do: Step-by-Step

1. Update Your Personal Information

  • Update your emergency contact information in Workday, if needed.

2. Review and Update Your Benefits Coverage

Employees may add a spouse or partner to their benefits coverage within 31 days of meeting the eligibility criteria. This includes:

  • Your legal spouse, including a person to whom you are married or with whom you are in a civil union; or
  • A person who has lived continuously with you in a role like that of a marriage partner for at least one year.

If you separate or divorce, review your dependent coverage and notify Manulife of any required changes. Eligibility will be determined under the terms of the Manulife group benefits policy.

Only one spouse may be insured under the plan. The eligible spouse will be the person you identify to Manulife. If no spouse is identified, the person who most recently meets the plan’s definition of spouse will be considered eligible.

Action Required: Within 31 days, sign in to the Manulife member portal and submit a life event to add your spouse or partner. Complete the required coverage information and documents, submit the change and keep the confirmation. After 31 days, changes are permitted only following another qualifying life event.

3. Update Your Beneficiary Designations

Beneficiary rules can vary by plan and account type. Contact Manulife regarding your benefits coverage or Sun Life regarding your DCPP, SPP, Group RRSP, or TFSA if you have questions.

4. Review Other Coverage and Required Documents

  • If your spouse or partner has benefit coverage through another plan, compare your coverage options and costs before making your election.
  • If you are covered under both plans, you may coordinate eligible health and dental claims. Total reimbursement cannot exceed the eligible expense.
  • Provide any supporting documents requested by Manulife, such as a marriage certificate or proof of common-law status. Submit all required information within 31 days to avoid limited coverage options or Evidence-of-Insurability requirements.
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Questions or Need Help?

For questions about your benefits, including Life and AD&D beneficiary changes, contact Manulife. 
Website: manulife.ca/planmember 
Phone: 800-268-6195

For questions about your retirement plans, including retirement beneficiary changes, contact Sun Life.
Website: mysunlife.ca 
Phone: 866-634-4840 
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

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