For Canadians aged 60 to 64 who have lost a spouse or common-law partner, the Canada Survivor’s Allowance provides a vital financial lifeline. This tax-free monthly benefit — worth up to $1,663.81 — is designed to help bridge the financial gap before survivors qualify for Old Age Security (OAS) at age 65.
As the September 2025 payment date approaches, many widowed Canadians are preparing to receive their next installment on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, payment schedules, tax rules, and how to ensure uninterrupted support.
What Is the Canada Survivor’s Allowance?
The Canada Survivor’s Allowance is part of the federal government’s Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) program. It provides temporary income assistance to widowed individuals aged 60 to 64, helping them cover essentials until they become eligible for OAS and GIS at 65.
It’s a non-taxable benefit — meaning recipients can use the entire payment without worrying about deductions or tax implications.
This allowance ensures that Canadians who have lost their spouse or partner do not fall into financial hardship during the critical pre-retirement years.
Canada Survivor’s Allowance Overview
| Organization | Service Canada / Government of Canada |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Canada Survivor’s Allowance |
| Country | Canada |
| Maximum Monthly Amount | $1,663.81 |
| Next Payment Date | September 25, 2025 (Thursday) |
| Adjustment Cycle | Quarterly (Next in October 2025) |
| Eligibility Age Range | 60–64 years old |
| OAS Requirement | Not yet receiving OAS |
| Payment Type | Tax-free monthly benefit |
| Official Website | www.canada.ca |
Why the Survivor’s Allowance Matters
For widowed individuals who relied on a spouse’s income, this allowance is more than a benefit — it’s a crucial source of stability.
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It helps cover:
- Rent and utility bills
- Food and household essentials
- Medical or caregiving expenses
- Transportation and daily living costs
By providing immediate financial support, the program ensures that survivors can maintain independence and dignity while adjusting to life after loss.
Payment Amount for September 2025
For September 2025, the maximum Canada Survivor’s Allowance is $1,663.81 per month.
The payment is indexed quarterly, meaning it can increase in October 2025 based on inflation and cost-of-living changes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Monthly Benefit | $1,663.81 |
| Valid Until | September 2025 |
| Next Adjustment | October 2025 (Quarterly review) |
| Payment Type | Non-taxable monthly benefit |
Since it’s part of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), it’s fully exempt from income tax, and recipients do not need to report it when filing their annual tax return.
Eligibility Rules for the Canada Survivor’s Allowance 2025
To qualify for the Canada Survivor’s Allowance in 2025, applicants must meet all conditions set by Service Canada:
- Age: Must be between 60 and 64 years old.
- Marital Status: Must be widowed (never remarried or entered a new common-law relationship).
- Residency: Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, living in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18.
- Income: Annual income must be below $29,976 (as of the latest update).
- OAS Status: Cannot already be receiving Old Age Security (OAS) benefits.
- Documentation: Must provide proof of legal residency and marital status.
Applicants who meet all the above criteria are eligible for the monthly allowance until they reach age 65, at which point they transition into OAS and GIS benefits.
Payment Schedule for 2025
The Canada Survivor’s Allowance follows a consistent monthly schedule throughout the year.
Below is the 2025 deposit calendar:
| Quarter | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| January – March | January 29 (Wed), February 26 (Wed), March 28 (Fri) |
| April – June | April 28 (Mon), May 28 (Wed), June 26 (Thu) |
| July – September | July 29 (Tue), August 27 (Wed), September 25 (Thu) |
| October – December | October 29 (Wed), November 26 (Wed), December 22 (Mon) |
Payments are always released on the same day across Canada, ensuring survivors can plan their monthly budgets confidently.
Payment Methods
Service Canada offers two secure ways to receive your allowance:
Direct Deposit (Recommended)
- Fast, secure, and reliable.
- Funds go straight into your bank account.
- Avoids postal delays and cheque loss.
Cheque Payment
- Available for those who prefer traditional mail delivery.
- May take longer to arrive depending on postal services.
To avoid delays, Service Canada encourages all recipients to sign up for direct deposit through their My Service Canada Account.
Tax-Free Nature of the Benefit
One of the most important features of the Canada Survivor’s Allowance is that it is 100% tax-free.
Recipients do not need to report the allowance as income when filing taxes. This means survivors can keep the full amount without deductions.
This classification as non-taxable income helps low- and modest-income widowed individuals maximize the value of the support they receive.
How to Apply for the Canada Survivor’s Allowance
If you haven’t yet applied for the benefit, follow these steps:
Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet all the criteria — age, income, and residency.
Gather Required Documents:
- Proof of identity and residency.
- Death certificate of spouse or partner.
- Proof of income (T4 slips, tax returns).
- Banking details for direct deposit.
Submit Your Application:
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- Online through My Service Canada Account.
- Or by mailing a paper application to your nearest Service Canada office.
Track Application Status: Once submitted, you can monitor progress through your My Service Canada portal.
Applications can take several weeks to process, so applying early ensures timely payments.
How Long the Benefit Lasts
The Canada Survivor’s Allowance continues until one of the following occurs:
- The survivor turns 65, becoming eligible for OAS/GIS.
- The survivor remarries or enters a new common-law relationship.
- The recipient exceeds the income threshold.
At age 65, recipients are automatically transitioned into OAS and GIS, with no interruption in financial support.
Key Tips for Recipients
To ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments:
- Keep your personal and financial details up to date with Service Canada.
- Report any changes in marital status or income promptly.
- Use direct deposit for faster, secure payments.
- Check for quarterly COLA updates (next adjustment: October 2025).
Summary
| Program | Canada Survivor’s Allowance 2025 |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to $1,663.81/month |
| Payment Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Eligibility Age | 60–64 |
| Tax Status | Non-taxable |
| Administered By | Service Canada |
| Transition to OAS/GIS | Automatically at age 65 |
This benefit ensures that widowed Canadians in the 60–64 age group can maintain financial stability before becoming eligible for full Old Age Security benefits.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Canada Survivor’s Allowance?
A1: It’s a monthly, tax-free payment for widowed Canadians aged 60–64 who have not yet qualified for OAS, helping bridge the financial gap until age 65.
Q2: How much will survivors receive in September 2025?
A2: Eligible recipients can receive up to $1,663.81 for September 2025, depending on income level.
Q3: When will the September 2025 payment be deposited?
A3: Payments will be issued on Thursday, September 25, 2025, either by direct deposit or cheque.
Q4: Is the survivor’s allowance taxable?
A4: No. It is completely tax-free, and recipients do not have to declare it as income.
Q5: How long can I receive the benefit?
A5: Payments continue until you turn 65, remarry, or exceed the income threshold, after which you transition to OAS and GIS benefits automatically.
