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Benefits

Allowance for the Survivor: Up to $1,726 for Widowed Seniors 60 to 64

The Allowance for the Survivor is a tax-free monthly payment of up to $1,726.18 for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died and who have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship. Income must be under $31,152. You usually need to apply.

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Who qualifies

  • You are 60 to 64.
  • Your spouse or common-law partner has died, and you have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship.
  • You are a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
  • You have lived in Canada at least 10 years since age 18.
  • Your income is under $31,152.
  • You are not under a sponsorship agreement.

How much

Up to $1,726.18 a month for October to December 2026. It is not taxable.

How to apply

You usually need to apply. You can send your application no earlier than 11 months before your 60th birthday. If you were already getting the Allowance when your spouse died, you are switched over automatically.

Other survivor benefits to check

  • CPP survivor's pension: a monthly payment if your spouse contributed to the Canada Pension Plan.
  • CPP death benefit: a one-time payment.
  • CPP children's benefit: for dependent children.

Tell Service Canada about the death as soon as possible to avoid overpayments on your spouse's benefits.

Phone numbers

CPP and OAS (also Personal Access Codes for returning CPP/OAS clients)

1-800-277-9914

Agents: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time. Automated: 24/7.

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-613-957-1954 (collect, Eastern time)

TTY: 1-800-255-4786

Related

The Allowance: Benefit for 60 to 64 Year Olds With a GIS Spouse The Allowance is a tax-free monthly payment of up to $1,448.06 for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner gets OAS and the GIS. Your combined income must be under $42,768. Apply 6 to 11 months before you turn 60. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 2026: Amounts and Income Limits The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a tax-free monthly payment for low-income seniors who get OAS. For October to December 2026, a single senior can get up to $1,138.90 a month if their income is under $23,112. Most people are enrolled automatically with their OAS. Old Age Security (OAS) 2026: Amounts, Eligibility and How to Apply Old Age Security is a monthly pension for people 65 and older who have lived in Canada at least 10 years after age 18. For October to December 2026 the maximum is $762.50 a month at 65 to 74 and $838.75 at 75 and over. Most people are enrolled automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the Allowance for the Survivor if I remarry?

No. It is only for survivors who have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship.

What happens at 65?

The Allowance for the Survivor is for ages 60 to 64. At 65 you move to the OAS pension and, if your income is low, the GIS.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.