Losing a spouse can create emotional and financial challenges. Fortunately, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Survivor’s Pension helps alleviate financial stress for eligible spouses or common-law partners of a deceased CPP contributor. Here’s how much you can receive, eligibility criteria, and application steps.
Table of Contents
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- You were legally married or in a common-law relationship with the deceased CPP contributor.
- The deceased made sufficient contributions to the CPP.
- You meet age and relationship requirements (including proof of common-law status if applicable).
If widowed more than once, only one pension—the highest amount—will be paid.
Survivor’s Pension Amounts
- For survivors under 65 years old:
- Average monthly payment: $524.78
- Maximum payment amount: $739.31
- For survivors aged 65 or older:
- Average monthly payment: $323.78
- Maximum payment amount: $818.76
These amounts depend on the deceased’s contributions and whether the survivor is also receiving other CPP benefits.
Other CPP Benefits
1. Death Benefit
- A one-time payment to the estate or next of kin.
- Average amount: $2,499.60
- Maximum payment: $2,500.00
2. Children’s Benefits
- Available for children under 18 or up to 25 if in full-time education.
- Per child: $294.12 per month (both for children of disabled and deceased contributors).
3. Combined Benefits
If you qualify for more than one CPP benefit, the payments are combined:
- Survivor’s Pension and Retirement Pension (at age 65):
- Average payment: $1,037.82
- Maximum payment: $1,375.41
- Survivor’s Pension and Disability Benefit:
- Average payment: $1,284.34
- Maximum payment: $1,613.54
4. Disability and Post-Retirement Benefits
- Disability Benefit:
- Average payment: $1,177.20
- Maximum payment: $1,606.78
- Post-Retirement Disability Benefit: Flat rate of $583.32 per month.
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Applying for CPP Survivor’s Pension
Who Can Apply?
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner: You must prove your relationship through documentation, especially if in a common-law relationship.
- Separated Spouses: May also qualify if the deceased had no common-law partner.
Steps to Apply
- Online Application:
- Access the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to complete the form.
- Submit the required documents online or mail/drop them off at a Service Canada office.
- Paper Application:
- Complete the ISP1300 form.
- Include certified true copies of necessary documents and mail them to Service Canada.
Timeline
- Payments start the month after the contributor’s death.
- Processing typically takes 6-12 weeks.
Additional Considerations
Combining Benefits
The total combined amount is capped, ensuring the total benefit doesn’t exceed the maximum limits. The enhanced CPP contributions made after 2019 may result in higher payments over time.
2024 CPP Payment Table
| Type of Pension or Benefit | Average Amount (July 2024) | Maximum Payment (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Pension (at age 65) | $815.00 | $1,364.60 |
| Post-Retirement Benefit (at age 65) | $19.84 | $44.46 |
| Disability Benefit | $1,177.20 | $1,606.78 |
| Post-Retirement Disability Benefit | $583.32 | $583.32 |
| Survivor’s Pension (under 65) | $524.78 | $739.31 |
| Survivor’s Pension (65 and older) | $323.78 | $818.76 |
| Children’s Benefits (Disabled/Deceased) | $294.12 | $294.12 |
| Death Benefit (One-Time Payment) | $2,499.60 | $2,500.00 |
| Combined Survivor’s and Retirement Pension | $1,037.82 | $1,375.41 |
| Combined Survivor’s Pension and Disability | $1,284.34 | $1,613.54 |
OAS Clawback 2024: What is & How to Avoid?
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For more information or to begin your application, visit the official CPP page on Canada.ca.
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