Federal

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) death benefit is a one-time payment to the estate on behalf of a CPP contributor who has died. As of January 1, 2022, the amount of the death benefit for all eligible contributors is a flat rate of $2,500.

Notes

  • Payment from Service Canada takes approximately 6 to 12 weeks from the date your completed application is received.
  • If you don't understand or agree with a decision, you may ask for a reconsideration of that decision.

Note: If you live in Quebec, you should refer to the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) instead and contact Retraite Québec if you have any questions.

In order for the death benefit to be paid out, the deceased must have been making contributions over at least:

Note: If you live in Quebec, you should refer to the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) instead and contact Retraite Québec if you have any questions.

Proof of death

A document that provides the name, date, and place of death. The document must also be on official letterhead or contain a seal and provide the name and/or signature of the person or authority issuing the document. For example:

  • Burial certificate or death certificate
  • Certification of death from another country
  • Life or Group Insurance Claim along with a statement signed by a medical doctor
  • Medical Certification of Death
  • Memorandum of Notification of Death issued by the Chief of National Defence Staff
  • Notarial copy of Letters of Probate
  • Official Death Certificate
  • Official Notification from the Public Trustee for a Province
  • Registration of Death
  • Statement of a medical doctor, coroner, or funeral director
  • Statement of Verification of Death from the Department of Veterans Affairs

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

Apply for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit.

Gather the required documents:

Last updated: January 17, 2022