Guide to CPP Survivor's Pension Application

Losing a spouse or common-law partner is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. During such a challenging time, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) survivor pension can provide important financial support. This guide explains the CPP survivor pension, who is eligible, how much you can receive, and how to apply. For general information about the CPP, see our guide on the Canada Pension Plan for newcomers.

What Is the CPP Survivor Pension?

The CPP survivor pension is a monthly benefit paid to the surviving spouse or common-law partner of someone who made sufficient contributions to the Canada Pension Plan. The benefit is meant to help replace some of the income that was lost due to the death of a partner. In addition to the survivor pension, there are two other CPP death-related benefits: the death benefit (a one-time lump sum payment) and the children's benefit (a monthly payment for dependent children).

Who Is Eligible for the Survivor Pension?

To be eligible for the CPP survivor pension, you must be the legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased person who made enough contributions to the CPP. Common-law partners must have been living with the deceased in a conjugal relationship for at least one year at the time of death.

The eligibility rules and the amount of the pension vary depending on your age at the time of the contributor's death:

• Under age 35: You are eligible only if you have dependent children or if you have a disability.
• Age 35 to 64: You are eligible for a reduced pension that increases as you get closer to age 65.
• Age 65 and older: You are eligible for the full survivor pension amount, although the amount may be combined with your own CPP retirement pension subject to maximum limits.

CPP Death Benefit

The CPP death benefit is a one-time lump sum payment of up to $2,500. It is paid to the estate of the deceased contributor, or to the person or persons who paid for the funeral expenses if there is no estate. The death benefit must be applied for separately, but you can include it on the same application as the survivor pension.

CPP Children's Benefit

The CPP children's benefit is a monthly payment for dependent children of the deceased contributor. To be eligible, the child must be under 18 years old, or between 18 and 25 and attending school or university full-time. The amount is a flat rate that is adjusted each year.

How to Apply for the CPP Survivor Pension

You must apply for the CPP survivor pension. It is not paid automatically when someone passes away. Here is how to apply.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• The deceased person's Social Insurance Number
• Your own Social Insurance Number
• The deceased person's death certificate
• Your marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
• Your banking information for direct deposit
• If applying for the children's benefit, the children's birth certificates and SINs

Step 2: Complete the Application Forms

Download the application forms from the Service Canada website. The main form for the survivor pension is ISP-1300. If you are also applying for the death benefit, you will need form ISP-1200. For the children's benefit, use form ISP-1400.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can submit your completed application and supporting documents by mail to Service Canada, or you can bring them in person to a Service Canada Centre. Some parts of the application may also be available through your My Service Canada Account.

How Much Is the Survivor Pension?

The amount of the survivor pension depends on several factors, including how much the deceased contributor paid into the CPP, the survivor's age, and whether the survivor is also receiving other CPP benefits. The maximum monthly survivor pension varies depending on age. For survivors under 65, the amount includes a flat-rate portion plus an earnings-related portion. For survivors aged 65 and older, the pension is calculated differently.

If you are already receiving your own CPP retirement pension, the survivor pension will be combined with it. However, there is a maximum amount that you can receive from the CPP. You will not receive the full amount of both pensions if the combined total exceeds the maximum.

Processing Time

Service Canada aims to process survivor pension applications within a few weeks to a few months. The processing time depends on whether all required documents are included and whether any additional information is needed. Applying promptly after the death of your spouse or partner is important because benefits can only be paid retroactively for up to 12 months.

Survivor Pension After Divorce or Separation

If you were divorced from the deceased contributor, you may still be eligible for the survivor pension under certain circumstances. If the deceased did not have a new spouse or common-law partner at the time of death, the former spouse may qualify. If a CPP credit split was completed as part of the divorce process, this will affect the calculation of benefits.

Other Benefits and Support

In addition to CPP survivor benefits, you may also be eligible for other financial support. The Old Age Security program provides a monthly pension to seniors aged 65 and older, and the Allowance for the Survivor is available to low-income surviving spouses aged 60 to 64. If you need help navigating these programs, our guide on using Service Canada as a newcomer can point you in the right direction.

If you were also receiving Employment Insurance benefits at the time of your spouse's death, the survivor pension will not affect your EI payments, as they are separate programs.

Final Thoughts

The CPP survivor pension is an important benefit that can help provide financial stability after the loss of a spouse or partner. While dealing with paperwork during a time of grief is difficult, applying as soon as possible ensures you receive the financial support you are entitled to. Gather your documents, complete the application forms, and submit them to Service Canada. Do not hesitate to ask for help at a Service Canada Centre or by calling their toll-free line.

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