CPP Survivor Benefit Raise in 2025: Who Qualifies for the Higher Payment?

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Survivor Pension is an important financial support plan for married couples and common-law partners who have lost their spouse. In 2025, this pension amount has been increased to better support beneficiaries financially. If your spouse or partner was a CPP contributor and is no longer around, this article will tell you whether you are eligible for this pension, how much you can get, and the process for getting it.

Why was the CPP Survivor Pension increased?

The cost of living in Canada is rising rapidly, making it difficult for retired and widowed citizens to maintain their financial situation. With this in mind, the government has increased the amount of the CPP Survivor Pension in 2025 to help beneficiaries cope with the financial challenges caused by inflation.

Eligibility for CPP Survivor Pension

If your spouse or common-law partner was a CPP contributor and is no longer alive, you can apply for this pension.

Prerequisites:

• ✅ Legal spouse or common-law partner: You must have been in a marital relationship with the deceased or have lived together for at least one year.
• ✅ Separated spouse: If your marriage was ended but not divorced, you may be eligible for this pension.
• ✅ Divorced person: If your deceased spouse was your ex-spouse and was divorced, you are not eligible for this pension.
• ✅ CPP contributions: The deceased must have contributed to the CPP for a minimum of 3 years.
• ✅ Being widowed more than once: If you have received a survivor pension before, you will only receive the payment with the maximum amount.

What will be the new survivor pension amount in 2025?

The amount of pension depends on the deceased’s contributions and your age group.

For ages 65 and above:

• 🔹 Receive 60% of the deceased’s CPP pension.
• 🔹 Maximum amount: $859.80 per month.
• 🔹 Example: If the deceased received a CPP pension of $1,200/month, the survivor would receive $720/month.

For ages under 65:

• 🔹 Receive a flat-rate amount + 37.5% of the deceased’s pension.
• 🔹 Maximum amount: $770.88 per month.
• 🔹 Example:
  • Flat-rate portion: $233.50
  • 37.5% of deceased’s pension ($1,000): $375
  • Total survivor pension: $608.50 per month

What if you’re already receiving a CPP pension?

If you’re already receiving a CPP retirement or disability pension, the survivor pension will be added to it as a single monthly payment. However, there are maximum limits:

• 💰 Retirement + survivor pension: Up to a maximum of $1,433/month.
• 💰 Disability + survivor pension: Up to a maximum of $1,673.24/month.

How to apply for a CPP survivor pension?

The CPP survivor pension is not automatic—it must be applied for. Applications can be made online or by mail.

Application process step-by-step:

1️⃣ Gather the required documents:

• Your and the deceased’s Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Deceased’s death certificate.
• Marriage certificate (if married).
• Common-law declaration form (ISP3104) (if you were common-law partners).

2️⃣ Apply online:

• Log in to My Service Canada Account.
• Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents.

3️⃣ Apply by post:

• Download the application form.
• Fill it out correctly and mail it with the required documents.

4️⃣ Processing and approval:

• Application review may take a few weeks.

Tax and financial planning information

• 💲 The CPP survivor pension counts as taxable income, so you must include it on your annual tax return.
• 💲 You can opt for a voluntary tax deduction from your pension to avoid a hefty tax bill at the end of the year.
• 💲 It is recommended that you combine this pension with other personal savings plans (RRSPs, TFSA, etc.) to stay financially secure.

Conclusion

The CPP Survivor Pension is a vital support for people who have lost their spouse or partner. This pension amount is increased in 2025 to provide financial support to widow/widower beneficiaries. If you are eligible for this pension, apply as soon as possible and secure your financial future.

If you are not yet sure whether you are eligible for it, find out more on the government website (Canada.ca) or apply through My Service Canada Account.

FAQs