Death Benefit
The death benefit is a lump-sum payment of 2 500 $. You have 5 years after the date of death to apply for it.
- Payment is made in priority to the person or charitable organization that paid the funeral expenses, up to the amount of these expenses, but not exceeding the maximum death benefit of 2 500 $. In such a case, the application must be filed with the Régie des rentes du Québec with proof of payment within 60 days following the death.
- After 60 days, if no application has been filed with proof of payment, the benefit can be paid to the deceased's heirs. If there are no heirs, or if they have renounced the estate, it can be paid in the following order: to the deceased persons' surviving spouse, to the deceased person's descendants, or to the deceased person's ascendants.
Terms and conditions of payment
The person or charitable organization entitled to the benefit will receive a lump sum by cheque for a maximum amount of 2 500 $.
- If the amount of the funeral expenses shown on the proof submitted to the Régie is less than 2 500 $, the difference may be paid to the estate.
The death benefit is taxable
It must be declared in the income of the estate, regardless of the name in which the cheque was made. For further information, contact Revenu Québec or the Canada Revenue Agency.
To apply for a death benefit