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CPP survivor benefit

What this is

What survives to the spouse when one of you passes?

The surviving spouse gets a portion of CPP + most DB pensions. OAS does NOT pass. Knowing the survivor income matters for retirement planning — losing half is real, but losing it all is rare.

·CPP survivor: 60% of deceased's CPP if survivor is 65+, less if younger.
·Combined cap: if both spouses already at max CPP, the survivor benefit caps at max CPP (cannot stack).
·DB pension: typically 60% continues to spouse (varies — read the plan booklet).
·OAS: stops at death of the recipient. Spouse needs own OAS based on own residency.

Deceased's CPP (annual)Deceased's OAS (annual)Deceased's DB pension (annual)Surviving spouse ageDeceased had a DB pension

CPP survivor (yr)

$8,400

Pension survivor (yr)

$21,600

Total annual

$30,000

Total monthly

$2,500

Applied rates: CPP 60% · Pension 60%.

Educational. Not financial advice. Quebec uses RRQ rules, slightly different. Pension survivor % depends on the elected payout option at retirement (joint-and-survivor 60% / 75% / 100%).