Most Canadians know about CPP survivor benefits and OAS. Far fewer have heard of the Allowance for the Survivor — a separate federal benefit that pays low-income Canadians aged 60–64 up to $1,647 per month simply because their partner died. There is no work requirement. No contribution history needed. Yet take-up is far below the eligible population.
If you or someone you know lost a spouse or common-law partner and is between 60 and 64, this may be the most important article you read.
What the Allowance for the Survivor pays
The Allowance for the Survivor is paid monthly, adjusted quarterly for inflation, and added to any other income you receive.
| Situation | Maximum monthly (2026) |
|---|---|
| Single person, surviving spouse, income $0 | ~$1,647 |
| Reduced based on income | Less than $1,647 |
| At $28,944 annual income | $0 (phased out) |
The benefit is non-taxable — it is not included in your taxable income. This means it does not reduce your GST/HST credit, Canada Workers Benefit, or other income-tested benefits.
Unlike GIS or OAS, the Allowance for the Survivor is paid entirely out of general revenues — your own work or CPP contributions play no role.
Eligibility requirements
To receive the Allowance for the Survivor, all of the following must apply:
- Age: You are between 60 and 64 (the month you turn 65, payments stop and you become eligible for OAS/GIS)
- Spouse has died: Your spouse or common-law partner has died. If you have since entered a new common-law relationship or remarried, you no longer qualify
- Deceased partner eligible for OAS: Your deceased spouse was receiving OAS at the time of death, or was eligible for OAS at their death (generally, they were a Canadian citizen or resident aged 65+)
- You live in Canada: You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident currently living in Canada (temporary departures for travel are permitted)
- Income below threshold: Your own annual income (excluding OAS, GIS, and the Allowance itself) is below approximately $28,944 (2026 — adjusted annually)
What counts as “income” for this threshold
| Counts as income | Does NOT count |
|---|---|
| CPP/QPP survivor pension | OAS you receive |
| Employment or self-employment income | GIS you receive |
| RRSP/RRIF withdrawals | TFSA withdrawals |
| Pension or annuity income | The Allowance itself |
| Investment income |
TFSA withdrawals do not count — this is the same TFSA advantage that applies to GIS recipients.
How the Allowance for the Survivor differs from CPP Survivor Benefits
Many people conflate these two programs, but they are completely separate:
| CPP Survivor Benefit | Allowance for the Survivor | |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | Service Canada (CRA pension program) | Service Canada (OAS program) |
| Based on | Deceased’s CPP contributions | Your income and age |
| Work history required | Deceased must have contributed to CPP | None |
| Age eligibility | Any age | 60–64 only |
| Taxable | Yes | No |
| Maximum monthly | ~$739 (age 65+), ~$739 (under 65) | ~$1,647 (2026) |
You can receive both simultaneously. The CPP Survivor Benefit pays based on what your deceased partner contributed to CPP. The Allowance for the Survivor pays based on your income and age. They do not cancel each other out — but the CPP Survivor Benefit counts as income for the Allowance income test.
How to apply
There is no automatic enrollment. You must apply.
Option 1: Online (fastest)
Log in to My Service Canada Account at canada.ca/service-canada and complete the Allowance application online.
Option 2: Paper form
Download Form ISP-3012 (Application for the Allowance for the Survivor), complete it, and mail it to Service Canada.
Option 3: In person
Visit a Service Canada Centre with your documents.
What you need
- Your Social Insurance Number
- Proof of your spouse or common-law partner’s death (death certificate, or Service Canada may already have it if CPP death benefit was claimed)
- Proof of the deceased’s age and residency status (may be on file if they received OAS)
- Your banking information for direct deposit
- Income information (your most recent tax return helps, or Service Canada accesses this with consent)
How far back can you apply?
Service Canada can pay the Allowance retroactively for up to 12 months before your application date. If you were eligible for two years but never applied, you can only recover 12 months of payments. Apply as soon as possible.
What happens at age 65
When you turn 65, the Allowance for the Survivor stops automatically. At that point:
- OAS begins (up to ~$730/month for ages 65–74)
- GIS may apply if your income remains low (up to ~$1,065/month for a single person)
Together, OAS + GIS can replace or exceed the Allowance for the Survivor. Apply for OAS approximately 6 months before your 65th birthday — see when should I apply for OAS.
The regular Allowance (for spouses of GIS recipients)
There is a related but distinct benefit: the Allowance (not “for the Survivor”), which pays up to approximately $1,381/month to Canadians aged 60–64 whose spouse or common-law partner is currently receiving OAS and GIS (i.e., the partner is alive but low-income). This is for couples where one partner is 65+ and the other is 60–64.
The Allowance for the Survivor is specifically for people whose partner has died.
For a full breakdown of how OAS, GIS, and these Allowances interact, see the OAS vs GIS guide and how to apply for GIS.