Canada Survivor Pension
When someone who paid to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) permits away, the CPP Survivor’s Annuity helps their living spouse or common-law partner, or dependent children, by giving a stable monthly sum. Below is all you need to know as of September 2025: who succeeds, how much the imbursement is, when you’ll get it, how to apply, etc.
Quick Table for Canada Survivor Pension
Here is a summary table so you can see at a glance the most important details:
| Program / Benefit | Start Date | End Date / Validity | Amount of Assistance (Monthly) | How to Apply (Online / Offline) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPP Survivor’s Pension (spouse/partner under age 65) | As soon as possible after contributor’s death | Ongoing (as long as eligibility holds) | Average CAD $534.64 | Apply via Service Canada: online (My Service Canada account) or by mail / drop off – fill form ISP-1300 etc. |
| CPP Survivor’s Pension (spouse/partner age 65 or older) | Same | Ongoing | Average CAD $335.68 | Same as above |
| CPP Children’s Benefit (dependent children under 18 or full-time students 18-25) | Same | Ends when child no longer qualifies (age limit / schooling requirement) | CAD \$301.77 per child | Included in same application form / package; via Service Canada online or offline |
| Payment schedule (for all CPP payments including survivor pension) | Monthly (2025) | As per schedule | N/A (amount varies by eligibility) | Payment is usually via direct deposit if set up; details with Service Canada |
What Is CPP Survivor’s Pension
The CPP Survivor’s Pension is a monthly benefit from the Canadian government, given to the surviving spouse or common-law partner, or dependent children, of someone who contributed to the Canada Pension Plan. It helps replace part of the income lost because the contributor has died.
Who Is Eligible / Eligibility Criteria
To receive the Canada Survivor Pension, the applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements. These generally include:
Spouse or Common-Law Partner
- The deceased must have contributed to CPP. (That is, they must have made aids through work or self-employment in Canada.)
- The survivor must be the legal wife or common-law companion.
- The survivor must provide proof of relationship (marriage certificate or waterproof of common-law partnership) and other personal leaflets.
Dependent Children
- Children under 18 years old are eligible.
- Or full-time students between 18 and 25 years old at a recognized institution.
Age / Other Conditions for the Surviving Spouse or Partner
- If the surviving spouse/partner is younger than 65, they get a certain “younger than 65” rate. If they are 65 or older, there’s an “65 and older” rate.
- The pension normally begins from the month after the contributor’s death, provided the application is processed.
Documents Needed for Canada Survivor Pension
To apply you’ll typically need:
- The deceased person’s Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your own SIN, identification, proof of relationship (marriage, common-law, etc.)
- Proof of death (death certificate)
- For dependent children, proof of schooling if over 18 and studying full-time.
How Much You Get: Amounts
The exact quantity of the Canada Survivor Pension depends on multiple factors: how much the deceased contributed to CPP, their work history, how much you contributed (if applicable), whether you are newer or older than 65, and the number of reliant on children.
Here are some typical amounts as of September / 2025 based on average cases:
- Spouse / common-law partner younger than 65: CAD $534.64 per month (average)
- Spouse / common-law partner aged 65 or older: CAD $335.68 average monthly amount
- Dependent child (under 18, or full-time student 18-25): CAD $301.77 per child per month
There also exist maximum amounts, which are higher, but only people with maximum contributions over many years will get close to those maximums.
Payment Dates & Schedule
Knowing when payments are issued is important so the survivor can plan. Here are the CPP payment dates for 2025, including the Survivor’s Pension:
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- March 27, 2025
- April 28, 2025
- May 28, 2025
- June 26, 2025
- July 29, 2025
- August 27, 2025
- September 25, 2025
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
Important notes:
- The first payment will usually begin the month after the contributor died, if your application is all in order.
- After you apply, it takes about 6 to 12 weeks for the first payment to arrive.
Applying: Process How-To
Here are the steps you should follow to Canada Survivor Pension apply, with tips to avoid delays.
Step by Step for Canada Survivor Pension
- Get the required documents
As mentioned: death certificate, contributor’s SIN, your SIN, proof of relationship, proof of children’s enrollment if needed. Make sure they are correct and official. - Obtain the correct application form
The main form for this is the CPP Survivor’s Pension and Children’s Benefits Application (ISP-1300) in Canada. - Submit the application
- Online, via the My Service Canada Account (if you have one).
- Or offline, by mail or by dropping off the paperwork at a Service Canada office.
- Wait for processing
After submission, there will be verification. If everything is correct, processing generally takes about 6 to 12 weeks for first payment. - Set up payment method
Usually via bank direct deposit. If direct deposit is not set up, you might get a cheque, which can add delays. Make sure your banking info is up to date. - Keep communication open
Sometimes they may need more documents. They may contact via mail or sometimes call. If more than 12 weeks pass without hearing, you can contact Service Canada to check status.
Things That Affect Amount & Eligibility
To fully understand what you’ll get, consider these factors:
- How long and how much CPP contributions by the deceased: If they contributed a lot (many years, high earnings), the survival pension will be more. If only few years, less.
- Your age (the survivor): Whether you’re younger than 65 or older, etc.
- Children: If there are dependent children (under 18, or full-time students 18–25), that adds extra benefit per child.
- Remarriage / common-law relationship: In some cases, if the surviving partner re-marries or enters a new common-law partnership, eligibility or amount can change. (Check details with Service Canada.)
- Delay in application: Applying late means you miss out on payments; although sometimes back payments are possible for some earlier months.
Common Questions & Clarifications
Here are answers to commonly asked questions people have.
Can you get back payments (retroactive) if you apply late?
Some back payments are possible, but there are limits. You generally can’t get expenses for months long before you applied; the earliest advantage usually starts from the month afterward passing and you can be paid once the application is accepted. Delays in smearing may mean lost months of sum.
If I live outside Canada, can I still get it?
Yes — under certain circumstances, if you were causal to CPP and you meet placement or other influence requirements. But you should check with Service Canada about getting expenses abroad, and whether there are tax or other suggestions.
Is this pension taxable?
Yes, in Canada this pension is cautious income and may be chargeable contingent on your overall income. When they pay out, there may be tax suspended or you must contain it in your income when filing taxes. (For non-Canadians getting it abroad, here may be singular rules or contracts.)
Can I get other benefits along with this?
Yes. There are other benefits like the Allowance for the Survivor (for low income widows / widowers aged 60-64), Old Age Security (if eligible), children’s benefits, etc. Some of these may stack with survivor pension depending on eligibility.
Examples
To make it clearer, here are two example scenarios:
- Example A: Spouse under 65, contributor had good work history → the survivor might get around CAD \$534.64 monthly. If there is one dependent child, add \$301.77 for that child.
- Example B: Spouse aged 65 or older, same contributor history → around CAD \$335.68 for spouse; children’s benefit extra if there are children.
Where to Check / Verify
To ensure you have the latest info or specific to your case:
- Official Government of Canada / Service Canada website (CPP Survivor’s Pension page)
- Use your My Service Canada Account to see what you qualify for, track application, etc.
- If unsure, call or visit a Service Canada office.
Summary
- The Canada Survivor Pension Annuity gives financial sustenance to living spouse/common-law partner and dependent children of someone who contributed to CPP.
- Payment amounts differ: about CAD \$534.64 (for spouse/partner under 65), CAD \$335.68 (65+), and about CAD \$301.77 per eligible child.
- The first payment usually starts from the month after death, application required, takes 6-12 weeks to process.
- Payments issued once-a-month; for September 2025, the sum date is September 25, 2025.
- Apply via official channels, with obligatory documents, to avoid delays.
