To help needy widowed women, the Canadian government has started a special scheme in 2025, named – “Survivor’s Pension Program”. Under this scheme, eligible women are being given financial assistance of up to $3555 every month by the government. If you or there is a widow woman around you who lives in Canada, then this information can be very useful for you.
Let us understand this scheme in detail – what are its benefits, who can apply in it, how to apply, how much money will be received and what documents will be required.
What is Widow Pension Scheme?
The Widow Pension Scheme has been started for those women whose husbands are no longer in this world and who are now facing financial difficulties alone. This scheme is called “Survivor’s Pension Program” and is operated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
If a woman’s husband used to make regular contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) during his work, then after his death the woman gets a pension every month. This pension is a part of the same money that the husband earned and deposited during his lifetime.
Why was this scheme needed?
There are a large number of women in Canada who are left alone after the death of their husband. They do not have any permanent source of income.
In such a situation, this scheme of the government gives them relief not only financially but also mentally that there is someone who understands their responsibility.
Apart from this, this scheme is also a way of honoring the services of the husband – who contributed to the economy of Canada by working throughout his life.
What are the benefits under this scheme?
Monthly pension
Eligible women can get an amount of up to $3555 every month. This amount is transferred directly to their bank account.
Death Benefit
The woman is also given a lump sum financial assistance, which is called death benefit. This assistance is given soon after the death of the husband to help in the funeral and other necessary expenses.
Help for children too
If the widowed woman has children below the age of 25, then financial assistance is also provided for them.
Who can take advantage of this scheme? (Eligibility Criteria)
If you want to apply in this scheme, then it is important to keep these things in mind:
- Canadian citizenship
The woman applying should be a permanent citizen of Canada. - Husband’s contribution to CPP
The woman’s husband must have contributed regularly to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) during his job. - Must be a legal heir
The woman should be the legitimate wife and legal heir of her husband. - Remarriage will not have any effect
Even if the woman has remarried after the death of her husband, she will continue to get pension. - Will not get more than one pension
If the woman has had more than one husband, then she will get the benefit of the pension in which the higher amount is being received.
How to apply? (Step-by-Step Process)
Applying for this scheme is very easy. You can also apply online:
Visit the official website
Go to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.
Find the Survivor’s Pension section
There you will find the option of “Survivor’s Benefits” or “Widow Pension”.
Fill the online form
Fill in your personal details such as name, address, husband’s details, death certificate and CPP contribution information.
Upload documents
The following documents need to be uploaded:
- ID Proof
- Husband’s Death Certificate
- Proof related to contribution to CPP
- Bank account details
Submit the form
Check all the information and press the submit button.
When will you get the pension money?
If all your information is found to be correct and the documents are complete, the money will be transferred to your bank account every month as soon as the application is approved.
Keep in mind that if you have made any mistake in the application or the documents are incomplete, your application may get stuck. So fill all the information carefully.
How much amount will you get?
The pension amount depends on how long your husband contributed to CPP.
- If the widow is 65 years of age or older, she can get up to 60% of the husband’s deposit amount.
- For example: If a woman’s husband was to get a monthly pension of $6000, then the woman will be given a monthly pension of around $3600.
- In addition, a lump sum death benefit can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
How to track after applying?
If you have applied and want to know the status of your application, then:
- Go to the CRA website
- Login (enter your registration number or SIN number)
- Click on “Application Status”
- Here you will know where your application has reached
What if there is a complaint?
If anyone has any complaint or needs help regarding this scheme:
- Call the CRA helpline number
- Visit the nearest CRA office
- Contact via email using the form provided on the website
Conclusion: Why is the Widow Pension Scheme necessary?
This step of the Canadian government is very sensitive and necessary. For widowed women, this is not only a financial support but also a strong wall of self-respect.
With this scheme, they do not have to fear for their future, and they can become self-reliant and live a life with dignity in society.
If you are eligible for this scheme or know any eligible woman, then definitely give this information to her. Apply on time and take full advantage of this help.