Guide to the Allowance for the Survivor Application in

What Is the Allowance for the Survivor?

Quick tip: download the official ISP3008 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download ISP3008 form (Service Canada).

The Allowance for the Survivor is a monthly benefit paid by the Government of Canada to people who are aged 60 to 64, whose spouse or common-law partner has passed away, and who have low income. It is part of Canada's Old Age Security (OAS) program and is designed to bridge the financial gap for widowed individuals who are not yet eligible for OAS and GIS at age 65.

For newcomers to Canada who have lost a spouse, this benefit can provide essential financial support during a very difficult time. The Allowance for the Survivor recognizes that when a partner dies, the surviving partner often faces significant financial hardship, especially if they depended on their partner's income.

As of 2026, the maximum monthly Allowance for the Survivor payment is approximately $1,647.34, though your actual payment will depend on your income level. The benefit is non-taxable, meaning you do not pay income tax on it.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor, you must meet ALL of the following conditions:

• Age: You must be between 60 and 64 years old. The benefit stops the month after you turn 65, at which point you can apply for OAS and GIS instead
• Marital status: Your spouse or common-law partner must have died, and you must not have entered into a new common-law relationship or remarried
• Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time of application approval. You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
• Income: Your annual income must be below approximately $28,560 (2025-2026 threshold). Only your individual income is considered since you are not in a partnership
• Living in Canada: You must currently reside in Canada

Residency Requirements for Newcomers

The 10-year residency requirement can be a significant barrier for newcomers. However, there are ways to meet this requirement:

• Social security agreements: If your home country has a social security agreement with Canada, your years of residence or social security contributions in that country may count toward the 10-year requirement
• Combined residency: You can combine periods of Canadian residency with qualifying periods from agreement countries
• Even partial qualification: In some cases, the agreement may allow you to receive a partial benefit based on your years of Canadian residency

Canada has social security agreements with countries including the Philippines, India, China, South Korea, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and many European nations. Check the full list at canada.ca/social-security-agreements.

How to Apply for the Allowance for the Survivor

The application process involves completing and submitting the required form along with supporting documents. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Obtain the Application Form

You need to complete the ISP-3008 (Application for the Allowance for the Survivor) form. You can get this form in several ways:

• Download it from canada.ca/old-age-security
• Pick up a copy at any Service Canada Centre
• Call 1-800-277-9914 and request one by mail

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before filling out the form, collect the following documents:

• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Proof of your age: Birth certificate, passport, or immigration document showing your date of birth
• Proof of Canadian citizenship or legal residency: Canadian citizenship card, Permanent Resident card, or other immigration documents
• Death certificate of your spouse or common-law partner
• Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
• Proof of income: Your most recent Notice of Assessment from the CRA, or if you haven't filed taxes, complete the Statement of Income form included with the application
• Proof of Canadian residency: Documents showing how long you've lived in Canada (such as immigration landing records, lease agreements, utility bills)
• Banking information: A void cheque or direct deposit form for payment setup

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The ISP-3008 form has several sections. Complete each one carefully:

1. Personal information: Your full name, SIN, date of birth, address, and phone number
2. Residency history: List all countries you've lived in since turning 18, with dates. This is crucial for determining your eligibility
3. Deceased spouse/partner information: Their full name, SIN (if known), date of birth, and date of death
4. Marital status declaration: Confirm that you have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship
5. Income declaration: Report your income from all sources for the previous calendar year
6. Direct deposit information: Provide your banking details for payment
7. Signature and declaration: Sign and date the form

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can submit your completed application:

• By mail: Send it to the Service Canada address listed on the form
• In person: Bring it to any Service Canada Centre
• Online: Through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) at canada.ca/my-service-canada-account

Apply early: Service Canada recommends applying six months before you want benefits to start. You can apply as soon as you turn 59, and benefits can begin the month after your 60th birthday.

How the Benefit Amount Is Calculated

The Allowance for the Survivor has two components:

• A flat-rate portion: Equivalent to the OAS pension amount
• A GIS-related portion: Calculated based on your income, similar to the Guaranteed Income Supplement

The lower your income, the higher your benefit. If you have zero income (other than the Allowance itself), you'll receive the maximum amount. As your income increases, the benefit decreases gradually until it reaches zero at the income threshold.

The benefit is reviewed annually based on your income tax return, so your payment may change from year to year depending on your income.

What Happens When You Turn 65?

The Allowance for the Survivor stops the month after you turn 65. At that point, you should apply for:

• Old Age Security (OAS) pension: Available to all Canadian residents who meet the residency requirements
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Available to low-income OAS recipients
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension: If you or your deceased spouse contributed to CPP
• CPP Survivor's Pension: If your deceased spouse contributed to CPP, you may also be eligible for a survivor's pension

Service Canada will typically send you information about these benefits as you approach 65, but it's wise to apply for OAS six months before your 65th birthday to avoid any gap in income.

Other Benefits You May Be Eligible For

As a low-income surviving spouse, you may also qualify for:

• CPP Survivor's Pension: If your deceased spouse made CPP contributions, you may qualify regardless of your age (separate from the Allowance for the Survivor)
• CPP Death Benefit: A one-time lump sum payment of up to $2,500 paid to the estate or the person who paid for funeral expenses
• Provincial benefits: BC offers additional supports such as income assistance, rental assistance, and subsidized transit
• GST/HST Credit: Quarterly payments for low-income individuals
• Canada Workers Benefit: If you have employment income

Common Questions from Newcomers

My spouse died in our home country. Can I still apply?

Yes, as long as you meet the residency and other eligibility requirements. You'll need to provide a death certificate from the country where your spouse died. If the document is not in English or French, you must provide a certified translation.

Does my foreign pension income count?

Yes, foreign pension income is counted when calculating your GIS/Allowance amount. However, if you receive a pension from a country with a social security agreement with Canada, there may be special provisions that affect the calculation.

What if I start a new relationship?

If you remarry or enter a new common-law relationship, you are no longer eligible for the Allowance for the Survivor. However, you may become eligible for the regular Allowance if your new partner receives OAS and GIS. Report any change in marital status to Service Canada immediately.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. File your income taxes every year: This ensures automatic renewal and helps Service Canada assess your income quickly
2. Get certified translations: If your documents (death certificate, marriage certificate) are in another language, get them translated by a certified translator before submitting
3. Keep copies of everything: Photocopy all forms and documents before submitting
4. Ask for help: Visit a Service Canada Centre for in-person assistance, or contact settlement organizations like WelcomeAide for guidance
5. Apply early: Processing can take several months, so don't wait until you're already in financial difficulty

For more information, visit canada.ca/allowance-survivor or call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 (TTY: 1-800-255-4786). Hours of service are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM local time.

Download This Form

Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download ISP3008 form (Service Canada). Always use the latest version.

Related internal guides

• IMM 5257 guide
• IMM 1294 guide
• IMM 1295 guide
• IMM 5409 guide
• IMM 5532 guide

Official external resources

• Download ISP3008 form (Service Canada)
• IRCC forms and guides library
• IRCC document checklists
• CRA forms and publications
• IRCC processing times

Related Resources

WelcomeAide Tools

• WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
• Tax Guide — understand taxes, filing deadlines, and common credits
• Banking Guide — compare newcomer banking options and account types
• Cost Calculator — estimate monthly living costs in Canada
• Benefits Guide — find federal and provincial financial supports

Related Guides

• How to Apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Guide to Service Canada Record of Employment (ROE) for
• How to Apply for a GST/HST Number for Your Business in

Official Government Sources

• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Government of Canada Taxes
• File an Income Tax Return
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
• Government of Canada Finance Services
• GST/HST for Businesses