The CPP survivor benefit is a monthly payment made to the legal spouse or common-law partner, dependant children, or surviving estate of a deceased CPP contributor.
In Canada, working individuals who have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) are entitled to basic benefit payment when they retire from active work or are disabled.
However, if a CPP contributor dies, CPP offers benefits to their surviving spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children under 25.
If the deceased contributed enough to the CPP or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), their survivors are entitled to the CPP Death benefit, Survivor’s pension, or the Children’s benefits.
This article covers all you need to know about the CPP survivor benefits, the types, their eligibility criteria, how to apply, and how much you can receive.
Without skipping a beat, let’s get right into it.
What are CPP Survivor Benefits?
CPP survivor benefits are benefits paid to eligible surviving family members of a deceased CPP contributor.
These benefits may also be paid to a deceased contributor’s estate who has made enough contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In Quebec, it is known as the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP).
When a CPP contributor dies, their eligible surviving dependents like spouse or common-law and children may be qualified to collect the following CPP Survivor benefits:
1. CPP Death Benefit
The CPP Death benefit is a lump-sum, one-time payment payable to eligible individuals or the estate of a deceased CPP contributor on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor. If there is an estate, the will executor or administrator can apply for the death benefit.
However, in the absence of an estate, CPP can make death benefit payments directly to the next-of-kin of the deceased, the surviving spouse or common-law partner, or the person responsible for the deceased’s funeral expenses.
2. Survivor’s Pension or Widow’s Pension
The CPP survivor’s prnsion (widow’s pension) is a monthly benefit paid to the deceased CPP contributor’s legal spouse or the common-law partner.
As a spouse or common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor, you must apply for the survivor’s pension. You will only receive the benefits if you apply.
3. CPP Children’s Benefits
The CPP Children’s benefit is a monthly benefit paid to the dependent children of a deceased CPP contributor.
If you are a dependent child of a deceased CPP contributor, either a natural child or legally adopted, you can receive CPP children’s benefits if you apply.
How Long Must I Contribute For My Survivors To Receive Benefits?
For a survivor to be eligible for the CPP survivor benefits, the CPP contributor must have contributed one-third of the whole calendar years in your contributory period, or ten calendar years (whichever is lesser). Still, your contributions must be at least three years.
If the deceased CPP contributor lived outside Canada, Canada’s international social security agreements with other countries might satisfy these requirements.
If the deceased CPP contributor lived or worked in Quebec, the individual might have to contribute to the CPP and the QPP. During the CPP survivor benefit calculation, CPP will combine the contributions under both plans.
Who is Eligible for the CPP Survivor Benefits?
Each of the CPP survivor benefits has its eligibility criteria. You must meet these criteria to receive the deceased’s money contributed to the CPP.
CPP Death Benefit Eligibility Requirement
The CPP Death benefit is a lump-sum payment made to the estate of the deceased CPP contributor. In the absence of an estate, the person financially responsible for the funeral, the surviving spouse or common-law partner, or their next of kin might be eligible to receive the CPP death benefit.
Survivor’s Pension or Widow’s Pension Eligibility Requirement
The deceased CPP contributor’s legal spouse or common-law partner at the time of death is eligible for the CPP survivor’s pension.
If you are separated from your spouse, your spouse may be eligible for the widow’s pension if there is no cohabitating common-law partner at the time of the death.
CPP Children’s Benefits Eligibility Requirement
The natural or adopted children of a deceased CPP contributor under 25 or any child in their care and control at the time of death may be eligible to receive the CPP children’s benefit.
For the child to be eligible, they must be either under 18 or between 18 and 25. The child must also be in full-time attendance at a recognised institution.
However, if the child is under 18, the benefit is paid to the person responsible for their day-to-day care. But an eligible child receives the benefits directly on the application.
How Much CPP Survivor Benefits Can You Receive?
As a survivor, how much you could receive depends on your age and how much the deceased contributed to the CPP.
The CPP calculates the amount the deceased contributor would have received as a retirement pension and then does some further calculations based on the survivor’s age at the contributor’s death.
- CPP Death Benefit: The amount payable as a CPP death benefit is six months’ worth of the estimated retirement pension. You could receive up to a maximum of $2,500.
- CPP Survivor’s Pension: The amount your surviving spouse or common-law partner could receive as a monthly pension depends on how long and how much you paid into the CPP and your spouse’s age when you die. If the spouse is already receiving a CPP disability benefit or retirement, has a dependent child, and has a disability, CPP will consider these things.
Personal Profile | Benefit Calculation | Maximum Benefit |
Age 65 and above | 60% of contributor’s calculated retirement pension at age 65 | $752.15 |
Age 45 to 64 or Under 45 (has a disability or raising a dependent child) | A flat-rate portion plus 37.5 person of your retirement pension | $674.79 |
Under 45 (does not have a disability and not raising a dependent child) | As above (45 to 64) minus 1/120 for each month your spouse is under 45 at the time of your death | $674.79 |
Under 35 (does not have a disability and not raising a dependent child) | Not paid until spouse reaches 65 or becomes disabled | $0 |
- CPP Children’s Benefit: The CPP children’s benefit is a monthly children’s benefit, and its flat rate is adjusted annually. If a Canadian has contributed to CPP, their surviving dependent children will qualify for a benefit from CPP of $281.72 per month (2023).
How To Apply for the CPP Survivor Benefit
You need to apply for the CPP survivor benefit as soon as the CPP contributor dies. You may lose benefits if you delay your application. CPP only makes back payments for 12 months.
As a survivor, you must apply for your monthly pension, but if you are incapable of applying, a representative or a trustee can apply on your behalf. A registered trustee, legal representative, or guardian may act on your behalf in person, by phone, or by mail.
To Apply for the CPP Survivor Benefit Online,
- Log into your MSCA and complete the CPP Survivor’s Pension form online.
- Mail or drop off true certified copies of the relevant papers at a Service Canada office.
- Before sending any documentation to Service Canada, include both the deceased contributors and your own Social Insurance Number on all the documents.
To Submit a Paper Application for The CPP Survivor Benefits,
- Fill out the survivor’s pension and children’s benefits application under the Canada Pension Plan (ISP1300).
- Include certified true copies of all relevant documents.
- Drop the form off at a Service Canada office or mail it.
- Before sending any documentation to Service Canada, include both the deceased contributors and your own Social Insurance Number on all the documents.
What Happens After You Apply for the CPP Survivor Benefits
The survivor’s pension begins the month following the contributor’s death. From the date Service Canada receives your application, it takes around 6 to 12 weeks to receive your first payment.
However, if your application has been pending for over 12 weeks, you can contact the Canada Pension Plan to inquire about its progress and find out the status of your application.
What Can You Do If You Disagree With a CPP Decision?
Suppose you disagree with any decision from the CPP that affects you, maybe your eligibility or the amount of the CPP benefit. In that case, you have the right to request consideration.
If you need help understanding any CPP decision, you can ask the CPP for explanations. If the answers do not satisfy you, you can ask the CPP for reconsideration.
You can appeal to a review tribunal if you are unsatisfied with the reconsiderations. You must apply within 90 days of receiving the decision.
Can You Combine CPP Survivor Benefits with Other CPP Benefits?
Yes. If you are already receiving a CPP retirement or disability pension, the CPP may combine the survivor pension into a single monthly payment.
However, you may not receive a full survivor’s pension while also receiving full retirement or disability pension. The combined benefit is not the sum of two benefits.
The maximum amount payable to a person eligible for disability and survivor’s pension is the maximum disability pension. This is more than the maximum survivor’s pension.
The maximum amount payable to an individual eligible for retirement and survivor’s pension is the maximum retirement pension. This is also more than the maximum survivor’s pension.
When combining benefits, the CPP adjusts the total amount paid based on the survivor’s age and other benefits they receive.
Are CPP Survivor Benefits Taxable?
Yes. CPP benefits are seen as taxable income. CPP can deduct taxes from your monthly benefits if you request it. However, you might have to pay income tax in quarterly instalments if you do not request tax deductions.
If the CPP death benefit is paid to the deceased’s estate, You should declare the benefits on line 19 of the trust’s T3 income tax and information return on the estate’s taxable income in the year it is received.
If a survivor receives CPP payments, they must declare it on line 130 of their tax and benefit return.
Final Thoughts on CPP Survivor Benefits
Although we only associate the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) with income in retirement, the CPP Survivor Benefit is also available for the family of a deceased contributor.
Sadly, it’s never worth as much as the deceased received; if you are a spouse or dependent child of a CPP contributor, take advantage of this benefit and apply for it.
It can go a long way in assisting your family with some financial burdens.
FAQS on CPP Survivor Benefits
Are CPP Survivor benefits always paid?
No. Only sometimes. If the deceased did not make sufficient contributions to the CPP in the required years, CPP might not pay the benefits.
When do monthly payments begin?
The month after the CPP contributor’s death, the CPP survivor’s pension and children’s benefits begin. THE APPLICATION WILL BE PROCESSED when CPP has all the information and documentation.
When should I expect payments to arrive each month?
Your payments will arrive on the third last banking day of the month if you receive payment directly to your bank account. However, if you accept payment by mail, it will arrive during each month’s last three banking days.
Will I lose my survivor’s/widow’s pension if I remarry?
No. Even when you remarry, your pension will continue.
How long does CPP survivor benefit last?
At the time of the CPP contributor’s death, if you are over 35, the pension stops after your death. However, if you are under 35, your pension stops when you do not have a disability, no longer raise the deceased’s child, or after your death.
Can I get children’s benefits if I’m married?
Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, the children’s benefits will not be affected if you marry.
What happens to my children’s benefits when I turn 18?
At age 18, you are still eligible for the children’s benefits. You must attend full-time at an institution and complete an application and a “Declaration of Attendance at School or University” form.
What happens to my children’s benefits if I leave school?
The children’s benefits will stop if you leave school. You will have to reapply if you return to school before it is reinstated.
When do children’s benefits stop?
Your children’s benefits stop when you are between 18 and 25 and no longer go to school, when you reach 25, or when you die.
Can I receive my CPP Survivor benefits outside Canada?
Yes. If you can meet all the CPP eligibility criteria, CPP can make your payments anywhere.
Do I get cost-of-living increases on my CPP Survivor benefits?
Yes. Your CPP payments are adjusted in January and indexed to the cost of living.
Do my CPP Survivor benefits affect the amount I receive from other programs?
Yes. It’s possible. Other programs such as War veterans Allowances, Allowance for the Survivor, and GIS take your CPP income into account. CPP might also affect your employer pension amount or your private-sector disability insurance.
Hi, I'm Adeola Adegoke. I am a licensed Insurance Broker in Manitoba, and I hold a master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences (with a major in Financial Modeling) from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Tanzania.
Also, I have a second master's degree in Statistics from the University of Regina, and I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Statistics at the University of Manitoba.
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