CPP Survivor Benefits in Canada

The Canada Pension Plan provides three main payments to the family of a deceased contributor: a one-time death benefit, an ongoing survivor's pension, and a children's benefit. Here is what each covers and how to apply. If you'd rather have a plan built around your situation, answer a few questions and we'll put one together →

CPP Death Benefit

A one-time lump sum from the Canada Pension Plan, paid to the estate or the surviving spouse or common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor. The standard amount is $2,500. From January 2025, a top-up of a further $2,500 (total $5,000) is available for estates where the deceased never received a CPP/QPP retirement pension or disability benefit, and no survivor’s pension is payable. Apply within 60 days of the death (late applications up to one year may be accepted in some circumstances).

Apply online at canada.ca or call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914. You will need the SIN of the deceased, the certified death certificate, and your banking details.

CPP Survivor’s Pension

An ongoing monthly pension for the surviving spouse or common-law partner of a CPP contributor. The amount depends on the deceased’s CPP contributions and your age at the time of the death:

• Under 65: a flat rate component plus 37.5% of the deceased’s retirement pension
• 65 and over: 60% of the deceased’s retirement pension

If you are already receiving your own CPP retirement pension, it can be combined with the Survivor’s Pension up to the CPP maximum. Apply through Service Canada.

CPP Children’s Benefit

A monthly payment for dependent children of a deceased CPP contributor — children under 18, or aged 18 to 25 and in full-time education. Apply through Service Canada.

OAS — Allowance for the Survivor

If you are aged 60 to 64, your income is below a threshold, and your spouse or common-law partner has died, you may qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor — an income-tested Old Age Security benefit. It stops when you turn 65, at which point you may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) instead. Apply through Service Canada.

Québec Pension Plan (QPP)

Residents of Québec contribute to the QPP rather than CPP. The QPP provides equivalent survivor benefits — a death benefit, survivor’s pension, and orphan’s pension — administered by Retraite Québec. Call 1-800-463-5185 or visit rrq.gouv.qc.ca.