Canada Pension Plan survivor benefits are paid to a deceased contributor’s estate, surviving spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. There are three types of benefits.

• The death benefit is a one-time payment to, or on behalf of, the estate of a deceased Canada Pension Plan contributor;
• The survivor’s pension is a monthly pension paid to the surviving spouse or common-law partner of a deceased contributor;
• The children’s benefit is a monthly benefit for dependent children of a deceased contributor.

It is important to apply for Canada Pension Plan benefits. If you do not apply, you may lose benefits you are entitled to receive.

Information about the Death Benefit 

Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit, Information Sheet
PDF, sc-isp1200a(2016-05-09)e.pdf, 166 KB, printed on 5 pages

Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit, Application Kit
PDF, sc-isp1200(2016-05-09)e.pdf, 1106 KB, printed on 5 pages

Information about the Survivor’s Pension and Children’s Benefits

Canada Pension Plan Survivor’s Pension and Child(ren)’s Benefit(s), Information Sheet
PDF, sc-isp-1300a(2016-05-09)e.pdf, 530 KB, printed on 8 pages

Canada Pension Plan Survivor’s Pension and Child(ren)’s Benefit(s), Application Kit
PDF, sc-isp-1300(2016-05-09)e.pdf, 1212 KB, printed on 7 pages

Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914

Callers outside Canada and the United States can call collect: 613-957-1954, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.