When a spouse or common-law partner who was receiving Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) passes away, the surviving partner—if under age 65—may be eligible for a special financial safety net: the Allowance for the Survivor.
In 2025, this benefit can be as much as $1,663.81 per month, offering vital financial relief for widowed individuals aged 60 to 64 with limited income.
Who Qualifies? The Eligibility Criteria
To receive the Allowance for the Survivor in 2025, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be aged 60 to 64 at the time of application.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, having lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18.
- Have lost a spouse or common-law partner, without remarrying or entering a new partnership.
- Have a net annual income below $29,976.
- Apply no earlier than 11 months before turning 60, or within a reasonable time after the spouse’s death.
This benefit is designed as a temporary income bridge, filling the gap until the recipient becomes eligible for the standard OAS and GIS benefits at age 65.
How Much Can You Get? Breaking Down the Benefit
- Maximum Monthly Benefit: Eligible individuals with incomes under the limit may receive up to $1,663.81 per month.
- Quarterly Adjustments: Payment amounts are reviewed quarterly to reflect inflation or cost-of-living changes.
- Tax Status: This benefit is typically non-taxable, providing full relief to those who need it most.
Payment Schedule for 2025
The Allowance for the Survivor is paid following the same monthly schedule as OAS and GIS, generally on the third-to-last business day of each month. In 2025:
- January: 29
- February: 26
- March: 27
- April: 28
- May: 28
- June: 26
- July: 29
- August: 27
- September: 25
- October: 29
- November: 26
- December: 22
Allowance for the Survivor 2025 – Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Allowance for the Survivor (also known as Survivors’ Pension) |
| Who Qualifies? | Widowed spouses/common-law partners aged 60–64, not remarried |
| Residency Requirement | Canadian citizen or resident with minimum 10 years residency since age 18 |
| Income Limit | Annual net income under $29,976 |
| Maximum Monthly Amount | $1,663.81 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly, paid on regular OAS/GIS schedule |
| Payment Review Schedule | Adjusted quarterly (e.g., in July–September) to reflect cost-of-living |
| Transition at Age 65 | Replaced by OAS and GIS at standard eligibility |
What Happens at Age 65?
Once a survivor turns 65, the Allowance for the Survivor benefit ends, and they become eligible to receive OAS and GIS, usually offering similar financial support but under the regular senior income programs.
Canada’s Allowance for the Survivor provides a critical income safety net for widowed Canadians aged 60 to 64.
With a maximum payment of $1,663.81 per month, this benefit relieves short-term financial strain following the death of a spouse or partner, ensuring stability until recipients transition to OAS and GIS at age 65.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, applying through Service Canada could secure important support during a challenging time — and every dollar counts.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the $1,663 Survivors’ Pension in 2025?
Widowed spouses or common-law partners aged 60 to 64 who have not remarried, reside in Canada (10 years residency since age 18), and have annual income under $29,976.
When and how is the benefit paid?
Payments of up to $1,663.81/month are issued monthly, on the standard OAS/GIS schedule (e.g., near the end of each month — Jan 29, Feb 26, Dec 22, etc.).
Does the benefit continue after age 65?
No — once you turn 65, the Allowance stops, and you transition to receiving OAS and GIS through standard senior benefit programs.