If you’re a Canadian under age 65 facing a severe disability, and you’ve also lost a spouse who contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), you may qualify for both CPP Disability and CPP Survivor’s Pension.
While each benefit has its own maximum value, Service Canada caps the combined monthly payment at $1,683.57 for 2025.
In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to claim this combined benefit, who qualifies, and what to expect.
Maximum Payment Breakdown
| CPP Benefit | Maximum Monthly Amount (2025) |
|---|---|
| Disability Benefit | $1,673.24 |
| Survivor’s Pension (under 65) | $770.88 |
| Survivor’s Pension (65 and older) | $859.80 |
| Maximum Combined Payment | $1,683.57 |
Understanding the $1,683 Cap
When two CPP benefits—Disability and Survivor’s Pension—apply, Service Canada combines them into a single monthly payment.
Even if the total of the two individually exceeds $2,400, the payment is capped at $1,683.57. Reaching this maximum combined amount depends on qualification for both benefits.
Who Qualifies?
CPP Disability Eligibility
To qualify, you must be:
- Under age 65,
- Have contributed enough to the Canada Pension Plan through prior work,
- Living with a severe and prolonged disability that prevents regular employment.
CPP Survivor’s Pension Eligibility
You must be the:
- Spouse or common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor,
- The deceased must have qualified via sufficient CPP contributions.
If you meet both criteria, the combined benefit applies—subject to the monthly cap.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility for both CPP Disability and Survivor’s benefits.
- Step 2: Gather documentation including medical reports and spouse’s contributor status.
- Step 3: Submit your application via your My Service Canada Account or request a paper form.
- Step 4: Await decision—an approval results in a merged monthly payment, up to $1,683.57.
Important Points to Know
- You cannot receive full individual amounts for both benefits; the cap applies regardless of calculated individual values.
- This benefit is taxable and does not affect other benefits like provincial support or disability programs.
- The combined cap reflects Service Canada’s policy for concurrent CPP payouts.
Tips to Maximize Your Application
- Document thoroughly: Include your medical diagnosis, contribution records, and spouse’s CPP history.
- Apply as soon as possible: Delays may impact back-pay eligibility.
- Monitor your application status via your Service Canada account.
- Consider financial planning to manage taxes on the combined payment effectively.
Canada’s $1,683.57 monthly pension cap for disabled seniors represents a crucial safety net. While the individual CPP Disability and Survivor’s benefits can total more, the rule is clear: combined payouts cannot exceed this capped amount.
If you qualify for both benefits, apply promptly and ensure your documentation is comprehensive—to make sure you receive the maximum support to which you’re entitled.
FAQs
Why is the combined payment capped at $1,683.57?
Service Canada applies this cap to limit the monthly payout when both CPP Disability and Survivor’s Pension are granted simultaneously.
Can I claim both benefits in full separately?
No—while each benefit has its own maximum, the combined payout is capped, so you won’t receive both maximums in full.
Is this benefit taxable?
Yes—CPP Disability and Survivor’s Pension are considered taxable income, so plan accordingly.