How much you could receive

The amount of the Allowance for the Survivor that you receive depends on your previous year’s income.

Depending on your situation, you can find the exact amount you would receive each month.

The Allowance for the Survivor benefit is reviewed in January, April, July and October to reflect increases in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Your monthly payment amount will not decrease if the cost of living goes down.

Your payment

You can receive your benefit payment by cheque or direct deposit to your banking account in Canada. You will have sign up for direct deposit.

If your income changes

Your income may change due to several factors. Find out how to determine your income.

Contact us if you have a lower annual income due to retirement or if other pension benefits are reduced or stopped.

In these cases, we can set your benefit payment by estimating your income for the current year instead of using last year’s income.

If you disagree with the amount you receive

If your letter from us lists a payment amount you think is incorrect, you must write to us within 90 days after you receive our letter. Find more information on how to request a reconsideration.

We review your benefit amount each year

Using your income information from your federal Income tax return, we will review whether you will continue to receive the Allowance for the Survivor for the next year.

Every July, you will receive a letter telling you one of the following:

• your benefit will be renewed and the amount for the next 12 months
• your benefit will be stopped
• your benefit will start or resume
• we need your income information

File your taxes on time

You do not have to pay taxes on your Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor payment. You must file your taxes by April 30 every year to avoid any disruption of payments.