Canada Pension Plan - Children's Benefits

Provided by: Government of Canada - Service Canada - AKA: Employment and Social Development Canada; ESDC; Human Resources and Skills Development (former name)

Service Description

Provides monthly payments to the dependent children of disabled or deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributors.

There are two types of CPP children's benefits:
  • A disabled contributor's child benefit: A monthly payment for a child of the person receiving a CPP disability benefit.
  • A surviving child's benefit: A monthly payment for a child of the deceased contributor. For the benefit to be paid, the deceased contributor must have made sufficient contributions to the CPP.
A maximum of two children's benefits can be paid to a child.

Information

Eligibility:
To be eligible the child must be:
-Under 18 years or under age 25 and in full-time attendance at a recognized school or university
-The natural child of the contributor
-A child adopted "legally" or "in fact" by the contributor while under the age of 21 years
-A child "legally" or "in fact" in the custody and control of the contributor while under the age of 21 years

A child may be eligible if the parent or guardian:
-Is receiving a CPP disability benefit (either the disability pension or the post-retirement disability benefit)
-Has died and met the CPP contributory requirements for a CPP death benefit
Fees:
No fees
How to Access:
Application varies slightly by situation * Application available online * Contact the nearest Service Canada office
Documents Required:
Varies by situation * See website for details
Language:
English * Some locations offer French services * Other languages available by phone
Coverage Area:
Canada

Service Locations & Contact Info