Losing a spouse or parent is a difficult time, and financial worries can add extra stress. If the deceased contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), surviving spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children may be eligible for various benefits. This article outlines the CPP Death Benefit, Survivor’s Pension, Children’s Benefits, and Old Age Security (OAS) Allowance for the Survivor in 2024.
Financial Support After Loss: A Lifeline for Survivors
The CPP and OAS programs offer a safety net for surviving family members by providing financial assistance. Understanding these benefits can help you navigate this challenging period and plan for the future.
1. CPP Death Benefit: A One-Time Lump Sum
The CPP Death Benefit is a one-time, lump-sum payment of $2,500 paid to the deceased’s estate, regardless of their CPP contributions. This can help cover funeral expenses or other immediate financial needs.
- Eligibility: The deceased must have made contributions for at least one-third of the years in their contributory period, up to a maximum of 10 years.
- Who Can Apply: The executor of the will, court-appointed administrator, or, if no estate exists, the person responsible for funeral expenses, surviving spouse/common-law partner, or next-of-kin can apply using form ISP-1200.
2. CPP Survivor’s Pension: Monthly Income for Eligible Spouses/Common-Law Partners
The CPP Survivor’s Pension is a monthly payment for surviving spouses or common-law partners of CPP contributors. The amount you receive depends on several factors, including:
- Your Age: The benefit is generally higher if you are 65 or older.
- Whether You Receive Other CPP Benefits: If you already receive a CPP retirement or disability pension, your survivor’s pension will be combined with it.
- The Deceased’s CPP Contributions: The amount the deceased contributed to CPP will influence your benefit amount.
Examples of Survivor’s Pension Amounts (as of January 2024):
- Age 65 or Older: You can receive up to 60% of the deceased’s CPP retirement pension at age 65. The average monthly benefit for new beneficiaries is $326.87, with a maximum of $818.76.
- Age 45-64: You can receive 37.5% of the deceased’s retirement pension plus a flat-rate portion. The average monthly benefit for new beneficiaries is $524.68, with a maximum of $739.31.
Important Points to Remember:
- You can only receive one survivor’s pension, even if you have had multiple spouses.
- Remarriage does not affect your survivor’s pension.
- The maximum combined CPP benefit, including survivor’s pension and other benefits, is the maximum retirement pension of $1,306.57 for 2023.
- To apply, use form ISP-1300 (“Survivor’s Pension and Children’s Benefits Application”).
3. CPP Children’s Benefits: Supporting Dependent Children
The CPP Children’s Benefit provides monthly financial assistance for the dependent children of a deceased CPP contributor.
- Eligibility: The child must be under 18 or, if enrolled full-time in school, between 18 and 25. The child can be the deceased’s natural or adopted child.
- Benefit Amount: The average monthly benefit for new beneficiaries as of January 2024 is $294.12, which is also the maximum amount for 2024.
- How to Apply: Use form ISP-1300 (“Survivor’s Pension and Children’s Benefits Application”) for children under 18 and form ISP-1400 for children aged 18-25.
4. OAS Allowance for the Survivor: Income Support for Low-Income Spouses/Common-Law Partners (Ages 60-64)
The OAS Allowance for the Survivor is a non-taxable benefit available to surviving spouses or common-law partners aged 60-64 with a low income (less than $29,112 for 2024).
- Benefit Amount: The maximum monthly payment for the allowance for the survivor benefit is $1,614.89 for the April to June 2024 quarter.
- How to Apply: Apply 6 to 11 months before your 60th birthday using form ISP-3008.