Losing a spouse or common-law partner is an incredibly difficult experience, both emotionally and financially.
To help low-income Canadians in this situation, the Canadian government provides the Allowance for the Survivor, a non-taxable monthly benefit.
This support is available to individuals aged 60 to 64 who have lost their partner and have not remarried or entered into a new common-law relationship.
As of March 2025, eligible recipients can receive up to $1,647.34 per month. If you’re wondering whether you qualify, how to apply, or when you’ll receive your payment, this guide covers everything you need to know.
$1,647 Survivor Allowance
The Allowance for the Survivor provides financial assistance to help individuals manage expenses until they become eligible for Old Age Security (OAS) at age 65. Here’s an overview of the benefit:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Maximum Monthly Payment | $1,647.34 |
Eligibility Age | 60 to 64 years |
Income Threshold | Less than $29,712 annually |
Residency Requirement | At least 10 years in Canada since age 18 |
Application Process | Online via My Service Canada or by mail |
Payment Dates | Monthly, aligned with OAS schedule |
Official Resource | Government of Canada – Allowance for the Survivor |
What is the Allowance for the Survivor?
The Allowance for the Survivor is a government-funded benefit aimed at low-income Canadians who have lost their spouse or common-law partner. This payment acts as a bridge until the recipient turns 65 and qualifies for OAS.
- Non-Taxable Benefit – Payments are not subject to income tax.
- Quarterly Adjustments – Benefit amounts are updated every January, April, July, and October based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The March 2025 maximum monthly payment is $1,647.34, but the actual amount you receive depends on your income level.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Survivor Allowance, you must meet these requirements:
1. Age Requirement
- You must be between 60 and 64 years old.
- Once you turn 65, the benefit stops, and you may qualify for OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) instead.
2. Marital Status
- Your spouse or common-law partner has passed away.
- You have not remarried or entered into a new common-law relationship.
3. Residency Requirement
- You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18.
4. Income Requirement
- Your annual income must be below $29,712.
- This includes earnings, pensions, and investment returns.
If you have lived or worked in a country with a social security agreement with Canada, you may still qualify for partial benefits.
Application
1. Do You Need to Apply?
- In most cases, you must apply manually to receive the Allowance for the Survivor.
- Apply as soon as you qualify to avoid delays in payment.
2. Gather Required Documents
Before applying, make sure you have:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your spouse’s or common-law partner’s details (SIN, date of birth, and date of death)
- Residency history since age 18
- Banking information (for direct deposit)
3. Submit Your Application
You can apply in two ways:
- Online: Log in to My Service Canada Account (MSCA). If you don’t have an account, you can register online.
- By Mail: Download and complete the ISP3008 application form. Mail it to Service Canada, along with certified copies of your documents.
4. Wait for Approval
Once submitted, Service Canada will review your application and send you a letter with:
- Approval or denial notice
- Payment amount
- Start date of payments
If someone is assisting you, complete the ISP1603 form to authorize them to communicate with Service Canada on your behalf.
Payment
The Allowance for the Survivor follows the Old Age Security (OAS) payment schedule, ensuring regular monthly payments.
Payment Dates for 2025
Month | Payment Date |
---|---|
January | January 29, 2025 |
February | February 26, 2025 |
March | March 27, 2025 |
April | April 28, 2025 |
May | May 28, 2025 |
June | June 26, 2025 |
July | July 29, 2025 |
August | August 27, 2025 |
September | September 26, 2025 |
October | October 29, 2025 |
November | November 27, 2025 |
December | December 23, 2025 |
To ensure timely payments, sign up for direct deposit through My Service Canada Account.