Brenda Moberg has finally won her fight to receive survivor benefits from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) after the federal government reversed its initial denial. The approval, which comes just in time for her 50th wedding anniversary, follows a lengthy struggle to prove her missing husband, Earl Moberg, is deceased.
Earl, who had dementia, was last seen in Winnipeg’s River East area on December 12, 2023, at 81 years old. Despite extensive searches, his body has never been found. Brenda’s initial application for survivor benefits was rejected on February 6 due to the lack of a death certificate. Obtaining a presumption of death ruling through Manitoba’s courts would have required costly legal proceedings.
After Brenda submitted additional documentation, including media coverage of Earl’s disappearance, the department reconsidered and declared him deceased as of the day he went missing. She has since received retroactive payments.
“It’s been a long time, and I just think it’s fitting to get his survivor’s benefit in the month of our 50th anniversary,” Brenda said.
While the decision applies only to CPP and Old Age Security benefits, she hopes it will also help her obtain a formal presumption of death through the courts later this year if Earl remains missing. Winnipeg police have stated they are waiting for new information from the public regarding his whereabouts.
Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of seniors’ advocacy group CanAge, praised the decision but emphasized the need for systemic changes. “The denial of her claim because she couldn’t produce a death certificate was additional salt in the wound,” she said, stressing that many vulnerable seniors struggle to navigate such bureaucratic challenges.
Brenda is planning a private memorial service this summer to honor Earl’s memory, while also hoping her case sets a precedent for other families facing similar battles.
Source: Swifteradio.com
