Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Death Notifications

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This publication (IN-038-02-02) explains what needs to be done with the SIN of a deceased person and other relevant SIN information.

Following the death of an individual, the next of kin is asked to provide Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) with the Social Insurance Number card of the deceased.

What is the Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

The SIN is a personal file identifier for federal programs such as Employment Insurance, the Canadian Pension Plan and income tax obligations. It is also used by the Province of Quebec for the administration of the Quebec Pension Plan.

Why is it important to provide HRDC with the Social Insurance Number of a deceased person?

The SIN is a very important piece of information because it is unique to an individual and may be used to gain access to personal information. Stolen, lost or borrowed SINs can be used to defraud governments, businesses and individuals. HRDC is directly involved in reducing SIN fraud. Therefore, it is important to provide HRDC with the SIN of a deceased person. The SIN will be annotated deceased, but may still be used for estate purposes. This will reduce the risk of fraudulent actions being committed.

What needs to be done with the SIN of a deceased person?

To prevent the SIN from being used fraudulently after an individual's death, it is important for the next of kin to advise HRDC by sending the SIN card along with a copy of the death certificate. No other documents are needed. If you do not have the SIN card but do know the number, please send the Death Certificate with the SIN clearly indicated on it. This information should be sent to:

Social Insurance Registration
P.O. Box 7000
Bathurst, New Brunswick
E2A 4T1

For More Information
Dial toll-free, 1 800 206-7218. Select Option "3" for Social Insurance Number information.

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