The principle stays the same regardless of the paying organization: an authorized person confirms having seen and identified the beneficiary on a given date.
Proof-of-life certificate for a foreign pension: how to have it sworn in Québec?
Who requires a proof-of-life certificate in Québec or Canada?
- certain private life annuities paid by an insurer;
- certain private defined-benefit pension plans;
- trusts or estates making staggered payments to a beneficiary;
- specific contracts requiring periodic proof of survival.
Does the proof-of-life certificate need to be sworn?
This depends entirely on the paying organization — some accept a simply signed statement, others require a declaration under oath or notarial certification. Always check the exact instructions received with your form.
What should the certificate contain?
- the beneficiary's full identity;
- the date on which the authorized person saw and identified them;
- any file information required by the paying organization (policy or account number);
- the signature of the person authorized to receive the declaration.
Can it be sworn online?
Yes, when the document and situation are eligible for remote oath commissioning: the commissioner verifies your identity by videoconference, which meets exactly the certificate's purpose.
Online oath commissioning in Québec: how does it work?
Assermentation Express
Assermentation Express is not a pension fund or an insurer. This service does not determine whether your proof-of-life certificate needs to be sworn — always check the exact requirements of the organization paying your benefit.