Steps to take during a union

The notion of spouse can vary depending on applicable laws, government programs and various pension plans. Consult the Understanding the notion of spouse and the types of unions in Québec section.

Couple without children

A couple without children does not need to notify Retraite Québec if it chooses to live in a de facto union, enter into marriage or a civil union. The new situation will be updated in the spouses' personal files when Revenu Québec informs Retraite Québec of their conjugal status on 31 December of each year.

Couple with children

A couple living with one or more children under age 18 must notify Retraite Québec of any change in conjugal status. It is the case if it chooses to live in a de facto union, enter into marriage or a civil union.

The amount of Family Allowance it receives will be recalculated based on its new situation. This step avoids families from receiving overpayments and from having to repay them. Certain special rules apply to blended families.

How to notify us of a change?

The declaration of a couple's new conjugal status will be confirmed after the couple's income tax returns have been processed by Revenu Québec. However, if one of the persons in the couple benefits from the Social Assistance Program or the Social Solidarity Program, it is important to quickly notify the Ministère de l'Emploi et la Solidarité sociale (MESS)  of any change in conjugal status.

A change in conjugal status may have an effect on your taxes and the amount of your benefits and credits. It is important to notify the Canada Revenue Agency  before the end of the month following the month during which your civil status has changed.