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Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Some of the deceased's family members may be eligible to receive Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits if the deceased person contributed enough to the CPP. It's important to contact Service Canada as soon as possible to ensure the family receives all the benefits they are entitled to.

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Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Survivor’s Benefit is available to the surviving spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children of a deceased CPP contributor. This benefit helps to alleviate the financial burden of losing the deceased’s income, which can be especially important for young families with children.

The monthly benefit amount is based on the contributions made by the deceased. The higher the contributions, the higher the survivor’s benefits will be. This amount is calculated as a percentage of the deceased’s CPP pension or disability benefit.

Additionally, a lump-sum death benefit may be paid to the surviving spouse or common-law partner, if they were living with the deceased at the time of death. If the spouse or partner was living separately but receiving certain benefits based on the deceased’s record, they may also be eligible. If there is no surviving spouse or common-law partner, the lump-sum benefit is paid to an eligible child.

Who Qualifies for Benefits?

  • A surviving spouse or common-law partner age 65 or older
  • A surviving spouse or common-law partner under age 65, if they are caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 18 or has a disability
  • A dependent child of the deceased who is:
  • Younger than age 18 (or up to age 25 if they are a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school)
  • Age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 18, and is considered severe and prolonged


What Steps Should Survivor’s Take?

In most cases, the funeral home reports the death to the provincial vital statistics agency, which notifies the Social Insurance Number (SIN) Program. If the death occurs in a territory or outside Canada, you must report it directly to SIN by providing the deceased's SIN and proof of death, such as a death certificate or statement from the funeral director. These documents can be submitted by mail or in person to a Service Canada Centre.