💰 Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit
The CPP Death Benefit is a one-time, lump-sum payment made to the estate of the deceased contributor, or to the individual or institution that paid for the funeral expenses. This is a foundational benefit for many families .
- Payment Amount: The death benefit is a flat-rate payment of $2,500 .
- Eligibility: To qualify, the deceased must have made valid contributions to the Canada Pension Plan, generally for a minimum number of years. The payment is made to the estate, but if there is no estate, or if the funeral expenses exceed the benefit amount, it can be directed to the person or institution that paid for the funeral .
- Application: You should apply for this benefit as soon as possible. The application can be completed online through your Service Canada account, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada office. It’s generally recommended to apply within 60 days of the death, though late applications can sometimes be accepted .
👨👩👧👦 Federal Benefits for Families with Children (CCB Bereavement Support)
As of January 2025, a new federal policy provides crucial support for families who have lost a child. This is not a separate application but an automatic extension of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) .
- Payment Amount: The benefit continues for six months after the child’s death, based on the amount the family was receiving before the loss.
- How It Works: You do not need to apply. The benefit is triggered automatically when the province shares the death registration information with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The payments will continue for six months, including the month of death, and then stop. It is still a good idea to notify the CRA to ensure the process runs smoothly .
🚗 Ontario Auto Insurance Death & Funeral Benefits
For deaths resulting from a motor vehicle accident, significant benefits may be available through the auto insurance policy of the deceased or a family member. It is important to note that major changes are coming to Ontario’s auto insurance on July 1, 2026 .
- Before July 1, 2026: Death and funeral benefits are standard coverage automatically included in every auto insurance policy in Ontario. This means you are covered without having to take any extra steps .
- On or After July 1, 2026: These benefits will become “opt-in” coverage. This means that when you purchase or renew a policy, you must actively choose to include Death and Funeral Benefits. If you do not opt-in, you will not have this coverage. The only benefits that remain mandatory are medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care .
- What the Benefits Cover: If you have this coverage, it helps cover the cost of the funeral and provides survivorship benefits to your spouse and dependent children in the event of your death. The specific amounts depend on your policy’s limits .
🛡️ WSIB Death Benefits (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board)
If a death is a result of a workplace injury or occupational disease, the WSIB provides comprehensive benefits to the surviving spouse and children. The amounts for 2026 have been updated .
- Lump Sum for Spouse: A one-time payment based on the spouse’s age at the time of the death. The base amount is $103,023.22 for a 40-year-old spouse. This amount increases for younger spouses and decreases for older spouses.
- Monthly Payments: The surviving spouse and children receive monthly payments. The minimum combined monthly amount for a spouse and child is $2,437.76 .
- Burial Award: The WSIB pays all reasonable expenses related to the funeral and burial, with a minimum payment of $3,863.36. There is no set maximum; it covers all justified costs .
🏛️ Ontario Works Funeral and Burial Assistance
For low-income individuals or families with no other means to pay for a funeral, Ontario Works (municipal social services) may provide last-resort financial assistance. This program is administered at the local level (e.g., by the County of Simcoe) .
- Eligibility: This assistance is available for social assistance recipients or low-income individuals who do not have sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs .
- Critical Application Rule: You must apply for this assistance before the funeral takes place. Applications made after the fact will not be accepted. Contact your local Ontario Works office immediately if you think you may need this help .
To help you compare these benefits at a glance, here is a summary table:
🔍 How to Get Help and Apply
- Service Canada (CPP): Call 1-800-277-9914 or visit a Service Canada centre .
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Call 1-800-959-8281 or log in to your CRA My Account to report a death and confirm benefits .
- WSIB: Contact them directly to report a workplace fatality and begin the claims process.
- Ontario Works: Contact your local municipal office. For example, in Simcoe County, you can call 705-722-3132 .
- Legal Advice: If you have questions about auto insurance changes or complex claims, consulting with a lawyer can be helpful .
Navigating these benefits can be complex, especially with the upcoming changes to auto insurance. I hope this guide provides a clear and helpful starting point for you or someone you know during a difficult time.
