RESOURCES
Funeral benefits.
People are often confused when dealing with regard to the Canada Pension Death Benefit.
Simply put, for any person who is receiving Canada Pension at the time of death, that person’s estate is entitled to a death benefit amounting to six times the monthly amount they received, to a maximum of $2500.
For persons who are not yet retired and do not receive Canada Pension, the amount is based on the amount paid into the fund over their working career.
Canada Pension also offers a Survivors Benefit for the surviving spouse and children of the deceased. Children that can apply must be under the age of 18, and/or between the ages of 18 and 25 attending school full time.
Your funeral director will provide you with all the documentation required to apply for the death benefit and survivors’ benefit (if applicable) at your local Canada Pension office. The funeral home will also furnish you with an information booklet explaining the Canada Pension Death Benefit.
Can I get a discount on air fare when traveling home due to a death in the family?
Most Canadian Air Carriers will give what is called a “compassionate travel discount” to family members flying due to a death in the family. In order to receive this, it is advisable to inform the airline when booking your fare.
They will, in turn, contact the Funeral Home responsible for the funeral arrangements to confirm this fact.
Your local funeral director can also furnish you with documentation that may be required by an employer, if time off work is required due to a death in your family.
This documentation can be prepared by your funeral director in that event simply by contacting him/her either prior to or after the funeral service.
Social Development Death Benefit
When a family needs financial assistance to cover funeral costs, an application can be made to the Department of Social Development. Requests for assistance are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Assessment for eligibility is based on:
- Financial situation of the deceased
- Financial situation of the immediate family (spouse/common law partner, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents). Family income. Which includes and is not limited to earnings, allowances, pensions, income from property, investments, etc.
Social Development will only cover the cost for a basic funeral. They look at family income and living expenses including funeral costs to determine if the individual’s estate or family unit has the ability to pay. Approval and acceptance of this benefit forfeits the Canada Pension Death Benefit payment.
Your Funeral Director can assist you in starting the application process. This application must be made no later than 2 weeks after the death has occurred. Documentation will be required to complete the application, which the Social Development office will advise you of upon contact.
Last Post Fund
The Last Post Fund ensures that all eligible war Veterans can receive a dignified funeral, burial and military gravestone, that are otherwise finically unable to. For further information on the program and how to apply please contact your local Funeral Director.
