Death Benefit Requirements in Canada (2025)

When a loved one passes away, families are left not only with emotional grief but also with a range of financial and administrative responsibilities. One of the key supports available to Canadians during this difficult time is the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit. This is a one-time, taxable lump-sum payment made to help cover the costs associated with a death, such as funeral expenses.

As of 2025, understanding who qualifies, how to apply, and what documents are required is more important than ever. In this article, we’ll walk through the essential death benefit requirements in Canada, with a focus on eligibility, documentation, and tips for a smoother application process.

What is the Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit?

The CPP Death Benefit is a federally administered payment made under the Canada Pension Plan. It is a one-time payment of up to $2,500 issued to the estate of a deceased CPP contributor. If no estate exists, it may be paid to another eligible individual, such as the person who paid for funeral expenses, the surviving spouse or common-law partner, or the next of kin.

The purpose of this benefit is to ease the financial burden that often comes with funeral costs and final arrangements.

Who Is Eligible for the CPP Death Benefit?

To be eligible for the CPP Death Benefit in 2025, the deceased must have:

• Made sufficient contributions to the Canada Pension Plan during their working life (usually for at least one-third of the years in their contributory period, with a minimum of three years), and

• Been a CPP contributor at the time of death.

The applicant—whether it's the executor of the estate or someone else—must also provide proper documentation to prove eligibility and process the claim.

Who Can Apply for the Benefit?

The first priority for receiving the death benefit is given to the estate of the deceased. The executor named in the will (or the administrator appointed by a court) is typically the one responsible for submitting the application.

If there is no estate, or if the executor does not apply within 60 days, the benefit can be paid in this order of priority:

1. Person responsible for funeral expenses

2. Surviving spouse or common-law partner

3. Next of kin

This means that even if you're not legally named in a will, you may still be eligible to apply if you paid for the funeral or are the closest living relative.

Required Documentation (2025)

To apply for the CPP Death Benefit, applicants must submit various documents. In 2025, the following are generally required:

1. Proof of Death

This can be one of the following:

• A death certificate issued by a provincial or territorial vital statistics agency

• A statement of death from a funeral home

• A medical certificate of death

2. Social Insurance Number (SIN) of the Deceased

This must be included in the application form. The SIN is used to verify the deceased’s CPP contributions and eligibility.

3. Proof of Applicant's Identity and Relationship

Depending on who is applying, the following may be required:

• A copy of the applicant’s government-issued ID

• A marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship (if applying as a surviving spouse)

• Receipts for funeral expenses (if applying as the person who paid for the funeral)

• Proof of kinship (birth certificates showing family relationships)

4. Completed Application Form

The ISP1200 form (Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit Application) must be filled out accurately and completely. This form is available through Canada.ca or at a Service Canada location.

How to Apply

There are two main ways to apply:

1. Online Application via My Service Canada Account (MSCA)

This is the fastest and most convenient way to apply. Once signed into MSCA, you can fill out the CPP Death Benefit application online and upload documents directly.

2. Paper Application

You can also apply by mailing the completed ISP1200 form along with your documentation to the nearest Service Canada processing centre.

Important Note: If documents are in a language other than English or French, you must provide a certified translation.

Deadline to Apply

Applicants have up to 60 days to claim the benefit as the executor of the estate. If no one applies within that time, others in the eligible priority list may apply.

Overall, the CPP Death Benefit must be applied for within one year from the date of death to ensure timely processing.

Tax Implications

The CPP Death Benefit is considered taxable income, but it is typically reported by the estate, not the individual who receives the money. If you are not the executor but received the benefit (e.g., as the person who paid for the funeral), consult a tax professional or accountant about how to report it.

Common Delays and Mistakes

To avoid delays in receiving the benefit, make sure to:

• Submit all required documents

• Ensure the application is filled out correctly

• Provide accurate information, especially for SINs, names, and dates

• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information from Service Canada

It can take up to 6 to 12 weeks for the benefit to be processed, though some cases may be faster if done online with full documentation.

Additional Benefits to Consider

In addition to the death benefit, survivor benefits may be available for:

• Surviving spouses or common-law partners

• Dependent children under 18 (or under 25 if attending school full time)

These are monthly benefits rather than lump-sum payments, and eligibility depends on the deceased’s CPP contributions.

Provincial Programs

Some provinces, like Quebec, operate separate programs. In Quebec, the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) offers its own death benefit and survivor benefits. The application process and eligibility criteria are similar but handled through Retraite Québec instead of Service Canada.

Always verify with your provincial government to check if any additional death benefits or funeral assistance programs are available based on income level or special circumstances.

Final Thoughts

While it’s never easy to think about the financial logistics of death, the CPP Death Benefit offers a measure of support during a difficult time. By knowing the eligibility criteria, gathering the right documents, and applying promptly, you can ensure your family receives the support it needs.

As of 2025, Canada’s death benefit system continues to be an important part of the country’s social safety net. Whether you're an executor, a spouse, or someone who has covered funeral expenses, understanding your rights and responsibilities ensures that you’re not left in the dark.

For more information or to begin your application, visit the official Canada.ca Death Benefit page or contact your nearest Service Canada office.