The most difficult experiences are when someone loses a spouse or common-law partner, which creates financial strain and makes things even harder. To reduce this financial strain, the Canadian government offers the survivor allowance, a monthly benefit designed to support low-income individuals or dependents between the ages of 60 and 64.
The eligible recipients can receive up to $1,647 in monthly survivor benefits for 2025. Let’s break down how it works, how you can apply, and who is eligible for these benefits.
Canada Confirms $1,647 Monthly Survivor Benefit for 2025
The Allowance for the survivor is a part of Canada’s Old Age Security program. These monthly payments are tax-exempt for individuals who have lost their spouse or common-law partner and are not eligible to receive a full OAS pension.
This monthly benefit is a part of the government’s broader strategy, offering support during financially uncertain times. This benefit ensures that losing your partner does not mean losing your ability to afford basic needs such as food, rent, and medications.
Overview of Canada’s $1,647 Survivor Benefit for 2025
| Article on | Canada Confirms $1,647 Monthly Survivor Benefit for 2025: Here’s Who Qualifies and How to Apply |
| Country | Canada |
| Department | Canada Revenue Agency |
| Program name | Survivor Benefit |
| Eligibility | Based on age, income thresholds, and residency |
| Amount | $1,647 |
| Category | Government aid |
| Official website | Canada.ca |
Who Qualifies for Canada’s $1,647 Survivor Benefit in 2025?
Canada’s $1,647 Survivor Benefit for 2025 supports eligible individuals who lose their spouse or common-law partnerin Canada and are not eligible to receive the full OAS benefits. These criteria include:
Age
- The qualifying age for this benefit is between 60 and 64 years at the time of application.
Residency
- The candidate must be a resident of Canada or a legal resident at the time of consent to the application.
- Those who have been residing in Canada for 10 years since the age of 18 are entitled to the survivor benefits.
Marital Status
- You must be widowed and not presently in a new common-law relationship or get married again.
Income
- The applicant’s annual net income must be below $29,712$, including income from:
- Canada Pension Plan or QPP
- Investment income
- Any private or public pension
- Employment or self-employment
It is noted that if your annual earnings are more than this limit, then your benefit will be reduced. You are not entitled if you do not fulfill these requirements.
How to Apply for Canada Survivor Benefit for 2025?
If you have not been enrolled in the 2025 survivor benefits, then you can apply online or by mail.
Online Application Procedure –
- Applicants need to log in to their My Service Canada Account.
- Select the option to apply for a benefit.
- Search for the payment for the survivor.
To complete the application process for OAS benefits, applicants must upload the required documents accurately.
- Social Security Number
- Income Proof
- Death Certificate of your partner
Applying by Mail-
- Firstly, they should download the ISP-3008 registration form for Survivor benefits.
- Provide required documents.
- After completing the form, send it to the nearby Service Canada office.
- Wait for approval, as it will take about 12 weeks for processing.
How is it associated with the CPP Survivor’s Pension?
Both programs are available for individuals who have lost their spouse or common-law partner, but they are different from each other.
Let’s compare:
| Details | CPP Survivor Pension | Survivor Allowance |
| Income Tested | No | Yes |
| Maximum Monthly Amount | $647 | $1,647 |
| Based on CPP contributions | Yes | No |
| Duration | For life (if entitled) | Until age 65 |
If you qualify, then you can get both the benefits, which can significantly enhance your monthly income.
Payment Schedule for Canada’s $1,647 Survivor Benefit for 2025
The first payments for the allowance for the survivor come out on Thursday, June 26th, 2025. If you qualify prior to when you apply, then you may get retroactive payments for up to 11 months. The payment schedule for the survivor benefit is aligned with the regular monthly CPP payment schedule.
Here are the expected payment dates for Canada’s $1,647 Survivor Benefit for 2025.
• June 26, 2025
• July 29, 2025
• August 27, 2025
• September 25, 2025
• October 29, 2025
• November 26, 2025
• December 22, 2025
Planning for the Transition to Age 65
The survivor’s benefits are like a bridge filling the gap until you reach the age of 65, but it does not replace full earnings. When you turn 65, the benefit will stop, and you may have to shift to OAS or GIS.
Financial Planning tips:
- Make a proper budget, track your income and expenses to ensure that the benefit amount helps you in covering essential expenses.
- You can explore more provisional benefits, such as senior supplements and British Columbia.
- Plan your retirement income and personal savings.
- Grant help from FCAC or with a credit counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the survivor benefit?
This survivor benefit provides financial support monthly payments, for individuals who have lost their spouse or common-law partner and are not eligible to receive a full OAS pension.
Who is eligible for the survivor benefit?
The survivor benefits are available for a lawfully married partner of the deceased CPP contributor at their time of death. The deceased person must have made adequate CPP contributions.
How much is the survivor benefit in 2025?
The benefit amount depends on several factors, including the deceased’s CPP contributions, your age, and other potential benefits you receive. An amount of up to $1,647 per month was mentioned in June 2025.
What about the Allowance for the Survivor?
This benefit is specifically for low-income widowed spouses or common-law partners aged 60-64, acting as a bridge until they are eligible for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) at age 65.
