$1663 Monthly Canada Survivor’s Allowance Confirmed, Full Eligibility and Payment Dates

As of September 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has reaffirmed that the Canada Survivor’s Allowance (SA) remains a critical financial support tool for Canadians aged 60 to 64 who have lost a spouse or common-law partner.

This non-taxable monthly payment, now confirmed at $1663, ensures that surviving low-income individuals do not fall into financial insecurity during the transition period before becoming eligible for CPP retirement or Old Age Security (OAS) at age 65.

Here’s a detailed look at everything you need to know about the benefit, including eligibility rules, payment amounts, application procedures, and integration with other supports.

Understanding the Canada Survivor’s Allowance (SA)

The Survivor’s Allowance is part of Canada’s public pension support system, designed to help lower-income adults who lose their life partner before retirement age. It acts as a bridge benefit, helping eligible individuals manage essential expenses until they qualify for their own pension benefits.

The allowance is jointly handled by Service Canada and CRA, ensuring delivery is smooth, timely, and aligned with national income support goals.

Monthly Payment Amount in 2025: $1663 Confirmed

The confirmed monthly support for eligible recipients in September 2025 is $1663, adjusted for inflation through Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Payment Detail	Amount
Monthly Payment	$1663
Annual Equivalent	$19,956
Tax Status	Non-taxable

This amount is intended to cover basic living needs like housing, transportation, food, and healthcare during a time of financial and emotional difficulty.

Who Qualifies for the Canada Survivor’s Allowance?

To be eligible for this benefit, applicants must meet ALL of the following conditions:

Eligibility Factor	Requirement
Age	60 to 64 years old
Marital Status	Widowed, separated, or divorced from a deceased CPP contributor
Residency	Must be a resident of Canada
Income	Must fall under the low-income threshold
CPP Retirement Eligibility	Cannot already be receiving or eligible for full CPP retirement benefits
Deceased’s CPP Contributions	Spouse or partner must have contributed to Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Application Requirement	Must submit a completed application and be approved by Service Canada

This benefit is not automatic — an application is required, along with appropriate documentation.

How the Benefit Works (Duration and Transition)

Once approved, payments begin and continue until the recipient turns 65, or until they begin receiving their own CPP pension — whichever comes first.

Condition	Impact on Payment
Recipient turns 65	Survivor’s Allowance stops
Starts receiving CPP retirement	SA payments end
Death of recipient	Payments cease

The program is specifically aimed at supporting Canadians through the gap years before retirement. It is meant to fill the void left by the loss of a financial partner.

How to Apply for the Survivor’s Allowance

You must apply through Service Canada, and you will need to provide:

• Proof of age and identity
• Marriage certificate or legal documentation of partnership
• Death certificate of the deceased partner
• Proof of the deceased’s CPP contributions
• Proof of income

Service Canada allows applications:

• Online through their website
• By mail
• At in-person Service Canada centres

Assistance is available for applicants who need help filling out forms or gathering the necessary documents.

Survivor’s Allowance vs Other Benefits

It’s important to understand how the Survivor’s Allowance interacts with other federal benefits:

Program	Interaction with SA
CPP Survivor’s Pension	You can receive both, subject to income rules
Old Age Security (OAS)	OAS begins at 65 and replaces SA
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)	Receiving SA does not disqualify you from GIS
Provincial/Territorial Support	SA is non-taxable and may not affect other programs

This ensures financial safety without the risk of losing access to other crucial supports.

Adjustments for Inflation: Protecting Value Over Time

The $1663 monthly amount includes an adjustment to reflect the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This protects the real value of payments as the cost of living increases over time.

Inflation protection ensures survivors can afford rent, bills, groceries, and medication, despite rising prices.

CRA and Service Canada reassess the rates annually, with changes typically announced each year in July or September.

Common Scenarios: Who Might Qualify?

Here are a few realistic examples of who may be eligible:

• A 62-year-old widow living in Ontario whose husband contributed to CPP and had no personal pension
• A 60-year-old man whose common-law wife passed away in 2024, leaving him without income
• A 63-year-old single woman previously separated from her late spouse who was a long-time CPP contributor

All of these individuals may qualify if income thresholds and application conditions are met.

What Happens at Age 65?

When you turn 65, you will transition out of SA and may be eligible for:

• Old Age Security (OAS)
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Your own CPP retirement pension

CRA and Service Canada usually coordinate this transition without disruption, but recipients should update their file and keep personal records current.

Tips to Maximise Your Survivor’s Allowance

• Apply as soon as possible after turning 60 or losing a partner
• Keep all documents updated (ID, death certificate, income proof)
• Notify Service Canada of any life changes (marital status, income, residence)
• Check CRA mail and online account for payment updates
• Combine with other supports like GIS or housing benefits if eligible

Psychological and Social Benefits Beyond Finances

Aside from financial support, the Survivor’s Allowance provides:

• Emotional stability through consistent income
• Security during bereavement
• A sense of dignity for low-income seniors facing loss
• Reduced pressure on family or social services

It plays a vital role in Canada’s social safety net for aging individuals.

5 FAQs: Canada Survivor’s Allowance 2025

1. How much is the Canada Survivor’s Allowance in 2025?

The monthly confirmed payment is $1663, totaling $19,956 per year. It is non-taxable and adjusted annually for inflation.

2. Who qualifies for the Survivor’s Allowance?

You must be 60 to 64, a widowed or separated spouse of a CPP contributor, a low-income resident of Canada, and not yet receiving full CPP retirement.

3. Do I need to apply, or is it automatic?

You must apply through Service Canada. The benefit is not automatically issued, even if your spouse contributed to CPP.

4. What documents are needed for application?

You’ll need proof of age, proof of death of your spouse, income statements, and confirmation that the deceased paid into CPP.

5. What happens when I turn 65?

At age 65, Survivor’s Allowance ends, and you will transition to CPP Retirement, Old Age Security (OAS), and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) if eligible.