Canada Pension Plan survivor benefits are paid to a deceased contributor's estate, surviving spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. There are three types of benefits.
- The death benefit is a one-time payment to, or on behalf of, the estate of a deceased Canada Pension Plan contributor;
- The survivor's pension is a monthly pension paid to the surviving spouse or common-law partner of a deceased contributor;
- The children's benefit is a monthly benefit for dependent children of a deceased contributor.
It is important to apply for Canada Pension Plan benefits. If you do not apply, you may lose benefits you are entitled to receive.
CPP Death Benefit As with most Canada Pension Plan benefits, the amount of the death benefit depends on how much, and for how long, you paid into the Canada Pension Plan.
Canada Pension Plan first calculates the amount that your Canada Pension Plan retirement pension is, or would have been if you had been age 65 when death occurred. The death benefit is equal to six months' worth of this "calculated" retirement pension, up to a maximum of $2,500.
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Survivor's Pension
The Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension is paid to the person who, at the time of death, is the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased contributor (see definition of " spouse " and " common-law partner "). If you are a separated legal spouse and there is no cohabiting common-law partner, you may qualify for this benefit.
If your deceased same-sex common-law partner contributed to the Canada Pension Plan, you could be eligible for survivor's benefits.
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Children's Benefits
The Canada Pension Plan children's benefit is paid to a dependent natural or adopted child of the deceased contributor, or a child in the care and control of the deceased contributor at the time of death. The child must be either under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 25 and in full-time attendance at a school or university.
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