CPP Death Benefit and Survivor's Pension: Who Can Apply in Ontario

After a death, there are many forms to fill in. Two Canada Pension Plan benefits are easy to overlook: a one-time death benefit and a monthly survivor's pension. They are different payments with different applicants and different rules.

This article explains in plain language who can apply, how much the benefits are, and where timing matters. Your own eligibility depends on the contribution record and family situation, so use this as a guide and confirm details with Service Canada.

The CPP death benefit

The death benefit is a one-time basic amount of $2,500. For deaths on or after January 1, 2025, there may be a top-up of $2,500, bringing the maximum to $5,000.

The top-up applies only if the deceased never received a CPP or QPP disability, post-retirement disability or retirement pension, and has no surviving spouse or common-law partner eligible for a survivor's pension.

To qualify, the deceased must have contributed to the CPP for at least one-third of their contributory period (with a minimum of three calendar years), or for at least 10 calendar years.

Who can apply for the death benefit

The executor named in the will or the court-appointed administrator can apply. If there is no estate or the executor has not applied, others may apply in this order of priority:

• First, the person or institution that paid or is responsible for funeral expenses.
• Second, the surviving spouse or common-law partner.
• Third, the next of kin.

You can apply online through My Service Canada Account, or by mailing form ISP1200 to Service Canada. The executor should apply within 60 days of the date of death, and payment typically takes about six to 12 weeks after a complete application is received. The 60 days is guidance rather than a legal deadline, but there is little reason to wait.

The survivor's pension

The survivor's pension is available to the legally married spouse or common-law partner of a deceased contributor. A common-law partner is someone who lived with the contributor in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. Remarriage does not end the pension.

You can apply online through My Service Canada Account or on paper with form ISP1300. Children under 25 of the deceased may also qualify for benefits.

The amount depends on your age and on other CPP benefits you receive. A survivor's pension and a retirement or disability pension combine under a formula, not as a simple sum.

Why timing matters

Back payments of the survivor's pension are limited to 12 months, made up of 11 months plus the month of application. Payments start no earlier than the month after the contributor's death, so a late application can lose benefits.

For the death benefit, the practical point is that the executor has first right to apply. If the executor is slow, a family member who paid the funeral costs may be able to apply instead, in the priority order above.

What to do next

• Find out whether the person who died ever received a CPP or QPP pension, since that affects the top-up.
• Decide who will apply for the death benefit, starting with the executor or administrator.
• Create or sign in to My Service Canada Account, or get form ISP1200 for the death benefit.
• If you were the spouse or common-law partner, apply for the survivor's pension promptly using My Service Canada Account or form ISP1300.
• Gather the death certificate, the deceased's Social Insurance Number and proof of your relationship.
• If you are unsure who is the correct applicant or the estate is contested, ask an Ontario estates lawyer.

If you are an estate trustee, keep a record of any CPP money received and how it was used, as part of your estate accounting.

Frequently asked questions