The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Survivor Benefit continues to offer essential financial support to the spouses or common-law partners of deceased CPP contributors. As of July 2025, eligible Canadians can expect updated monthly payments under this benefit, helping offset the financial impact of losing a loved one. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the CPP survivor benefit 2025—including payment dates, benefit amounts, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
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What is the CPP Survivor Benefit?
The CPP survivor benefit is a monthly payment made to the surviving spouse or common-law partner of a deceased contributor who paid into the Canada Pension Plan for the required period. It is designed to provide financial assistance after the loss of a family income provider.
There are two types of survivor benefits:
- For survivors aged 65 and over
- For survivors under 65
The amount you receive depends on the deceased’s CPP contributions, your age, and whether you are receiving other CPP benefits like a retirement or disability pension.
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CPP Survivor Benefit – July 2025 Payment Date
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that CPP payments, including survivor benefits, will be issued on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Survivors already enrolled in the program will see their updated July payment on or just after this date, depending on their financial institution’s processing time.
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CPP Survivor Benefit Amounts in 2025
The monthly amount a survivor receives depends on several factors, such as:
- The amount the deceased contributor paid into CPP
- The age of the surviving spouse or partner
- Whether the survivor is already receiving another CPP benefit
For survivors aged 65 or older:
A average monthly payment – $335.68
You will receive 60% of the deceased contributor’s retirement pension, up to a maximum of approximately $859.80/month in 2025. This is only if you are not already receiving a CPP retirement pension yourself. If you are, the two benefits are combined and subject to a maximum limit.
For survivors under age 65:
You will receive:
- A average monthly payment of about $534.64
The total monthly amount for under-65 survivors can be up to $770.88 in 2025. This amount is indexed annually to reflect cost-of-living increases.
Combined Benefits:
If you receive both a survivor’s pension and another CPP benefit (like your own retirement pension), the total monthly payment cannot exceed the maximum CPP retirement pension, which is $1,433.44 in 2025.
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CPP Survivor Benefit Eligibility – Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the CPP survivor benefit in 2025, you must:
- Be the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased CPP contributor
- The deceased must have made sufficient contributions to the CPP
- You must be a resident of Canada, or the deceased must have lived and worked in Canada long enough to meet eligibility rules
The benefit is not paid automatically—you must apply. If both a legal spouse and a common-law partner exist, only one person will receive the survivor benefit, and the benefit will be granted to the person most recently cohabiting with the deceased.
How to Apply for CPP Survivor Benefit in 2025
You can apply for the survivor benefit in the following ways:
- Online through your My Service Canada Account.
- By mail using the paper form (Form ISP1300 – CPP Survivor’s Pension and Child(ren)’s Benefits).
You’ll need:
- Your SIN and the deceased’s SIN
- Proof of death (death certificate)
- Marriage certificate or documents proving common-law status
- Direct deposit information
Tip: Apply as soon as possible. The CPP survivor benefit is retroactive for up to 12 months, including the month the application is received. If you delay, you could miss out on back payments.
CPP Survivor Benefit Calculator
To estimate your monthly survivor benefit:
- Review the deceased’s Statement of Contributions (available through My Service Canada Account)
- Consider your age and whether you’re receiving other CPP benefits
- Use the CPP Benefits Calculator (available on the Government of Canada’s website)
This helps estimate your monthly survivor amount based on your actual household situation.
What If You’re Also Eligible for the Allowance for the Survivor?
If you’re aged 60 to 64, have a low income, and are not remarried, you may also qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor, a separate benefit under the Old Age Security (OAS) program. This is in addition to the CPP survivor benefit and can significantly increase your monthly income.
Final Thoughts:
If your spouse or partner passed away and you haven’t applied for the CPP survivor benefit yet, July is a good time to do so. With updated 2025 rates and confirmed July 29 payment dates, it’s essential to file your application promptly to avoid delays and maximize your back pay.
This benefit is a vital part of Canada’s retirement income system and can provide the financial stability many surviving spouses need during a difficult time.