The Survivor Allowance is a targeted income support for low income widows, widowers, and surviving common law partners who are not yet 65. It bridges the gap until Old Age Security or the Guaranteed Income Supplement begins. For November 2025, the payment calendar, maximum monthly amount, and core eligibility have been clarified. This rewrite explains who qualifies, the confirmed November deposit date, how much you could receive, how to apply online or by mail, and what to do if your circumstances change.
Table of Contents
Canada Survivor Allowance November 2025 Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Program |
Canada Survivor Allowance |
November 2025 deposit date |
28 November 2025 |
Typical monthly amount |
Income tested up to a posted maximum for the year |
Posted maximum for 2025 |
Up to 1,674.20 dollars per month, subject to income test |
Age window |
60 to 64 inclusive until the month before you turn 65 |
Core eligibility |
Low income survivor of a deceased spouse or common law partner who met program conditions |
Where to apply |
My Service Canada Account or by mail through Service Canada |
Official site |
What the Survivor Allowance Covers
The Survivor Allowance is designed to stabilize a household after the death of a spouse or partner. It is part of the Old Age Security framework and is paid monthly. The amount you receive is based on your net income from the previous tax year and any updated information you provide. The benefit tapers as income rises. When you reach 65, the allowance ends and you transition to Old Age Security and may be assessed for the Guaranteed Income Supplement if your income remains low.
November 2025 Payment Date and How Deposits Work
- Confirmed November 2025 payment date: 28 November 2025.
- Method: Direct deposit is the default and fastest option; cheques are available but slower.
- If the date falls on a non business day: Deposits typically arrive on the prior business day.
- Bank clearing: Most banks show funds on the deposit date, but internal processing can vary by institution.
- Tip: Set up or update direct deposit in My Service Canada Account to avoid mail delays and misdirected cheques.
Eligibility in Detail
You generally qualify when all of the following are true:
- Age
You are at least 60 and younger than 65. - Survivor status
You are a widow, widower, or surviving common law partner. The deceased must have met the applicable residency or contribution conditions under Canada’s public pension framework. - Residency
You are a Canadian citizen or legal resident and you have lived in Canada for a minimum of 10 years after age 18. - Income test
Your annual net income must be below the limit set for the allowance year. The allowance is reduced as your income rises and is not paid if your income exceeds the threshold. - Non overlap rules
You are not receiving disqualifying overlapping benefits that would make you ineligible for this program before age 65.
Keep in mind that the allowance is meant to bridge the years before 65. Once you reach 65, eligibility ends and you are evaluated for Old Age Security and possibly the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
How Much You Can Receive
- Maximum for 2025: Up to 1,674.20 dollars per month.
- Income tested: The exact amount depends on your net income. The lower your income, the closer you are to the posted maximum.
- Annual indexation: Rates can be adjusted during the year to reflect inflation, which helps preserve purchasing power for essentials such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation.
Required Documents
Preparing documents early reduces processing time:
- Government issued photo ID and Social Insurance Number
- Proof of survivor status such as marriage certificate or statutory declaration of common law union
- Death certificate or acceptable proof of death
- Proof of residency history if requested
- Most recent Notice of Assessment or income information
- Direct deposit banking details
- Any other documents Service Canada requests to confirm eligibility or income
How to Apply
Option 1: Online via My Service Canada Account
- Create or sign in to your account.
- Select the Survivor Allowance application.
- Complete the form and upload scans of your documents.
- Review and submit. Keep the confirmation page for your records.
- Check your account for messages about any additional information that may be required.
Option 2: Apply by mail or in person
- Obtain the paper application from Service Canada or download and print it.
- Attach certified copies of required documents.
- Mail the package to the address listed on the form or visit a Service Canada Centre for assistance.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Processing time varies with volume and whether your application is complete. Applying early after the death of a partner helps prevent a gap in income. If you have not filed a recent tax return, submit up to date income information to avoid delays.
After You Are Approved
- Monthly deposit: You will receive payments on the posted federal benefit dates.
- Annual reviews: Your payment is reassessed every year using your most recent income.
- Reporting changes: Notify Service Canada promptly if your income changes, you move, you remarry or enter a new common law relationship, or you leave Canada for an extended period.
- End of eligibility: Payments usually stop the month before your 65th birthday, at which point OAS and GIS assessments take over.
Interaction with CPP Survivor Pension and OAS
The Survivor Allowance is separate from the CPP survivor pension. Many survivors qualify for both at different times, but the allowance focuses on those aged 60 to 64 with low income. As you near 65, Service Canada coordinates transitions so that you move to OAS and, if eligible, the Guaranteed Income Supplement without a gap. Always disclose all income sources so calculations are accurate and overpayments are avoided.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
- Missing documents: The most frequent cause of delay. Use the checklist above and submit clear copies.
- Outdated bank details: Update direct deposit information in your online account before the next payment date.
- Unreported income changes: Report promptly to keep payments accurate and prevent overpayments.
- Address changes: Update immediately so you do not miss letters requesting additional information.
Practical Tips
- File your tax return on time each year so income verification is smooth.
- Enroll in direct deposit for faster access to funds.
- Keep a folder with copies of your application, letters, and notices.
- If you are unsure about a decision, request a reconsideration within the timelines stated in your letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the November 2025 payment be deposited
The confirmed date is 28 November 2025. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive funds.
2. What is the maximum monthly amount for 2025
The posted maximum is 1,674.20 dollars per month. Your actual payment depends on your net income.
3. Who qualifies between ages 60 and 64
Low income widows, widowers, and surviving common law partners who meet residency and legal status conditions and whose income is below the annual limit.
4. How do I apply
Apply online through My Service Canada Account or by mailing a completed paper form with supporting documents to Service Canada.
5. What happens at age 65
The Survivor Allowance ends and you are assessed for Old Age Security and possibly the Guaranteed Income Supplement based on your income.
6. Can I receive the Survivor Allowance while outside Canada
Short trips generally do not affect eligibility. Longer absences or moves abroad can affect payments, so inform Service Canada about planned absences.
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