Canada Pension Plan - Death Benefit

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

Service Description

Provides a one-time, lump-sum payment to the estate on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor.

If an estate exists, the executor named in the will or the administrator named by the Court to administer the estate applies for the death benefit.

If no estate exists or if the executor has not applied for the death benefit, payment may be made to other persons who apply for the benefit in the following order of priority:
  • the person or institution that has paid for or that is responsible for paying for the funeral expenses of the deceased
  • the surviving spouse or common-law partner of the deceased
  • the next-of-kin of the deceased

Information

Eligibility:
People named in the estate of a deceased contributor * The deceased must have made enough contributions to the Canada Pension Plan
Fees:
No fees
How to Access:
The executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death * Complete the application and mail it or drop off to the closest Service Canada Centre
Documents Required:
Death Certificate * Indicate the deceased's Social Insurance Number on all documents before sending
Program Hours:
Mon:8:30am - 4:30pm
Tue:8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed:8:30am - 4:30pm
Thu:8:30am - 4:30pm
Fri:8:30am - 4:30pm
CPP/OAS toll-free number
Program Phone Numbers:
Language:
English * Some locations offer French services * Other languages available by phone
Coverage Area:
Canada

Service Locations & Contact Info