#AskMelanie: What happens to CPP Benefits after the death of a spouse?

Losing your spouse is a life-changing event. Coping with funeral planning and required paperwork can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Finding out what your survivor benefits will often come as a shock.  In this recent CBC article, we look at this issue:

Here are some key questions and answers:

What if surviving spouse is under 65?

If the surviving spouse is under age 65, they get 37.5 per cent of the partner’s pension, plus a flat rate that rises every year. This year that rate is $193.66 a month.

What if partner dies before applying for CPP?

The deceased spouse’s CPP benefit is calculated based on what they have contributed so far in their working life, whether they’re 25 or 65. The survivor’s benefit is calculated based on that number — 60 per cent if the survivor is 65 or over, 37.5 per cent if they are under age 65.

What if there are children 18 or under?

If the family has children 18 or under, there is a monthly portion per child, currently $250.27 a month per child. Children age 18 to 24 can also get this support if they are enrolled in post-secondary school, though they’ll have to prove their enrolment to the government each year.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE 

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