Survivor Benefits - Canada Pension Plan
Information For Contributors About CPP Survivor Benefits
What are CPP survivor benefits?
Survivor benefits are benefits paid to the eligible survivors or to the estate of a deceased contributor who has made enough contributions to the CPP.
There are three types of CPP survivor benefits.
- The death benefit is a one-time payment to, or on behalf of, the estate of a deceased CPP contributor.
- The survivor's pension is a monthly benefit 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 CPP benefits. If you do not apply, you will not receive them.
How long must I contribute for my survivors to receive benefits?
For your survivors to be eligible for CPP survivor benefits, you must have contributed in:
- one third of the calendar years in your contributory period, or
- 10 calendar years, whichever is less,
but
- not less than three years.
Who is eligible for survivor benefits?
The CPP death benefit is a one-time, lump-sum payment made to your estate after your death. If there is no estate, the person responsible for the funeral expenses, the surviving spouse or common-law partner, or the next of kin may be eligible to receive it, in that order.
Your legal spouse or common-law partner at the time of your death is eligible for a CPP survivor's pension. If you are separated, your legal spouse may be eligible for the pension if there is no cohabitating common-law partner at the time of your death.
Your natural or adopted children under 25 and any children in your care and control at the time of your death may be eligible for a CPP children's benefit. To be eligible, the child must be either under 18 or between the ages of 18 and 25 and in full-time attendance at a recognized educational institution.
How much is the death benefit?
As with most CPP benefits, the amount of the death benefit depends on how much, and for how long, you paid into the CPP.
First, the CPP calculates your CPP retirement pension (or what it would have been if you had been 65 at the time of your death). The death benefit is equal to six months' worth of this "calculated" retirement pension, up to a maximum of $2,500.
How much will my surviving spouse/common-law partner receive?
The amount of your surviving spouse's/common-law partner's monthly pension depends on:
- how much, and for how long, you have paid into the Plan;
- his or her age when you die;
- whether he or she is also receiving a CPP disability benefit or retirement pension;
- whether he or she has dependent children; and
- whether he or she has a disability.
First, the CPP calculates your CPP retirement pension (or what it would have been if you had been 65 at the time of your death). Then, a further calculation is done based on the survivor's age at the time of your death. The chart below provides further details.
In 2005, the average survivor's pension paid to people 65 and over was $280.32 per month. The maximum payment for 2006 is $506.75 per month.
| If the surviving spouse/common-law partner is: | and is not receiving a CPP disability benefit or retirement pension,* then the amount is: |
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| If the surviving spouse/common-law partner is receiving a CPP disability benefit or retirement pension, the survivor's pension will be lower. See Combining CPP benefits. | |
Who qualifies for the children's benefit and how much is it?
A child who has lost at least one parent who was a CPP contributor may qualify. For the benefit to be paid, the deceased parent must have met the contributory requirements.
The monthly children's benefit is a flat rate that is adjusted annually. In 2006, the children's benefit is $200.47 per month.
A child may get two benefits if both parents paid into the CPP and both have died, or if one parent has died and one is receiving a disability benefit under the CPP. (Children with both parents getting CPP disability benefits can also receive two children's benefits.)
For information on disability benefits, contact us and ask for the booklet Canada Pension Plan: Disability Benefits.
Note: If the child is under the age of 18, the benefit is normally paid to the person responsible for his or her day-to-day care. If the child is 18 or older and qualifies because of full-time attendance at a recognized educational institution, the benefit is paid directly to him or her on application.
