Federal

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Survivor's Pension

Easy application

Tax filing not required

When your spouse or common-law partner dies, you may be able to get monthly payments from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Survivor's Pension.

If you are age 65 or older, you can get 60% of the contributor's retirement pension, if you are not getting other CPP benefits.

If you are under age 65, you can get a flat rate portion and 37.5% of the contributor's retirement pension if you are not receiving other CPP benefits.

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.

You may be eligible if you are either:

  • the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased contributor
  • a separated legal spouse and the deceased had no cohabiting common-law partner

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.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

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

Apply for CPP Survivor's Pension

Notes

  • As the survivor, you are responsible for applying for your monthly pension.
    • If you are incapable of applying, you may have a representative (such as a trustee) apply for you.
  • The Survivor's Pension starts at the earliest, the month after the contributor's death.
  • It takes approximately 6 to 12 weeks to receive your first payment from the date Service Canada receives your completed application.

Last updated: January 18, 2022