Canada Pension Plan Benefits

Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit

Many people are unaware of the Death Benefit available to the estate on behalf of the deceased CPP contributor. Here we will outline information about the Canada Death Benefit to answer the questions we are frequently asked.

What is the Death Benefit?

The Death Benefit is a one-time lump sum payment to the estate on behalf of a deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributor.

Who applies for the Death Benefit?

If an estate exists, the executor named in the will (or one named by the Court) applies for the death benefit within 60 days of the death.

If no estate exists or it is not applied for within 60 days of the death, Death Benefit can be applied for by other persons in the following order of priority:

The person who paid for, or is responsible for paying for the funeral expenses
The surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased
The deceased’s next-of-kin

Who is Eligible for the Death Benefit?

The deceased is only eligible for the Death Benefit if they:

Made CPP contributions for at least one-third of a calendar years during their contributory period for the base CPP, but no less than 3 calendar years;

Made CPP contributions for 10 Calendar Years

How much is the Death Benefit Payment?

The Death Benefit payment is $2500 as of January 1st 2019.

Death Benefit For Quebec Workers

As Quebec workers pay the QPP, contributions to the CPP can be combined with the QPP contributions to meet eligibility requirements.

How can I apply for the Canada Death Benefit?

To apply for the Canada Death Benefit, simply fill in the Application for a Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit (ISP1200) form, including certified true copies and mail it to the closest Service Canada Center. A list of the addresses are available on the form.

Payment of the Death Benefit can take 6 to 12 weeks from receipt of the application.

What if I don’t receive my benefit after applying?

It is recommended to wait 12 weeks before inquiring about an application for death benefit that has not been received. If you need to inquire, contact Service Canada at 1800-277-9914 (TTY: 1800-255-4786) 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. local time.

Canada Pension Plan Survivor Benefits Pension

Here is the information you need to know about Survivor Benefits Pension.

What is the CPP Survivor’s Pension?

The Canada Pension Plan survivor’s pension is paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor.

What if I have lost more than one partner?

If you have been widowed more than once, you are only eligible for one (the larger) survivor’s pension.

How much will the CPP pay for Survivor’s Benefits?

The amount paid for Survivor Benefits depends on:

whether you are over or under the age of 65, and
How much and for how long the deceased was paying CPP contributions

Calculations are made to determine how much the pension would have been at age 65. Additional calculations are made based on the survivor’s age.

If the survivor is age 65 or more, the survivor’s pension is 60% of the contributor’s retirement pension
If the survivor is aged under 65, a flat rate portion plus 37.5% of the contributor’s retirement pension.
Both these conditions are dependent on the beneficiary not receiving other CPP benefits.

For more information about the survivor’s pension payment amounts, consult the CPP payment amounts table.

How do I apply for Survivor’s Pension?

To apply for the Survivor’s Benefit, complete the Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension and children's benefits application (ISP1300) form and mail it to Services Canada.

When should I apply for Survivor’s Pension?

Survivor’s pension should be applied for as soon as possible following death to avoid loss of benefits. Back payments can only be paid for up to 12 months. Within this window, the survivor’s benefit will begin at the earliest, the month after the contributor’s death.

Do I lose my pension benefits if I remarry?

No, the survivor pension plans continue even if you remarry.

Can the survivor’s pension be combined with other Canada pension plans?

Yes they can be combined into a single payment but with restrictions on the amount that can be paid. For more information on these restrictions, contact your local Canada Services or consult the CPP survivor’s pension website.