Canada’s $1,647 Survivor Benefit Coming in June 2025 – Know Eligibility and Payment Dates

If you’re between 60 and 64 and have lost your spouse or common-law partner, Canada’s Allowance for the Survivor could provide vital support—up to $1,647.34 a month.

It’s part of the Old Age Security program and is designed to bridge the gap until you hit 65 and qualify for full OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

If you’re grieving and trying to manage bills at the same time, this benefit can ease the burden. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to know to apply, get paid, and plan ahead.

Overview

The Allowance for the Survivor is a non-taxable benefit paid monthly to low-income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who’ve lost a partner.

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Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Survivor’s Pension, this benefit is income-tested—not based on how much your partner paid into CPP. And while it stops when you turn 65, you’ll likely qualify for OAS and GIS at that point.

Here’s a quick look at the key details:

Eligibility

To qualify, you need to check all of these boxes:

• Age: Between 60 and 64 years old.
• Residency: Living in Canada, and lived here at least 10 years since turning 18.
• Relationship Status: Widowed, and haven’t remarried or entered a new common-law relationship.
• Income: Your net income last year was under $29,712.

Not sure what counts as net income? It’s your total income minus deductions like RRSP contributions or childcare expenses—check your CRA Notice of Assessment.

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Payment

How much will you get? That depends on your income. If you made under $29,712 last year, you’ll get either the full amount or a portion of it.

Let’s break it down with an example:

Here’s the formula Service Canada uses:
Benefit = $1,647.34 × (1 – [Net Income / 29,712])

They’ll do the math for you—you just need to file your taxes and keep income records updated.

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Application

1. Get Your Docs Ready:
   • Death certificate
   • Proof of relationship
   • SIN and ID
   • CRA Notice of Assessment
   • Direct deposit info
2. Choose How to Apply:
   • Online via My Service Canada Account (MSCA): Fastest and easiest
   • By Mail: Use Form ISP-3008. Attach certified copies of your documents.
3. Track Your Application:
   • Online: Log into MSCA
   • By mail: Wait 8–12 weeks, then call 1-800-277-9914 if no response
4. Get Paid:
   • First payment comes the month after approval
   • Direct deposit is quicker than waiting for a cheque
   • You can also get retroactive payments up to 11 months

Comparison

You might wonder how this compares to the CPP Survivor’s Pension. Here’s a quick side-by-side:

Good news—you can qualify for both. Apply for each separately to maximize your support.

Budgeting

Receiving this benefit is just one piece of your financial puzzle. Try these tips:

• Track Expenses: Use a simple budget worksheet.
• Use FCAC Tools: The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has budgeting tools and calculators.
• Get Free Advice: Talk to credit counselors or community financial aid centers.

Provincial Help

Some provinces add extra support:

• BC: Senior’s Supplement (around $50/month if eligible)
• Quebec: Offers a Supplement to OAS
• Others: Check your local provincial website or speak to a social worker

You won’t see any change in the federal benefit by province, but these top-ups can add helpful dollars.

Whether you’re helping a loved one or applying for yourself, the Allowance for the Survivor can offer much-needed stability.

Don’t delay—get your documents ready, apply early, and consider pairing it with the CPP Survivor’s Pension if eligible. A few proactive steps today can mean peace of mind for months to come.

FAQs