Survivor Benefits, Income Support and Assistance Programs
Here are some basic supports available on a per-case basis following the death of a family member, in addition to death benefits, bereavement support and counseling services.
Important Legal Disclaimer: this webpage contains a collection of information applicable to the Province of Alberta and links to appropriate office locations in Edmonton. The purpose of this handout is to provide you with information about basic procedures to be attended to following the death of a family member, in addition to death benefits, bereavement support and counseling services. The information described and/or contained herein is not intended to cover all possible situations and should not be relied on as legal advice.
Survivor Benefits
Canada Pension Plan
There are three benefits available through the Canada Pension Plan for deceased individuals who have contributed to it:
The Death Benefit
A lump sum amount of a maximum of $2500 which is payable to the estate of the deceased. Application can be made to Service Canada (click here to access the death benefit online form).
The Survivors’ Pension
A benefit paid monthly to the spouse or common-law partner of the deceased. Monthly payment amounts depend on a variety of factors. Application for the benefit can be made to Service Canada (click here to access the survivor's pension online form).
The Children’s Benefit
A monthly benefit paid to the guardian of a child, under the age of 18, with a deceased parent, or to a child between the ages of 18 and 25 enrolled in an accredited post secondary program. Application for the benefit can be made to Service Canada (click here to access the children's benefit online form).
Alberta Works Income Support
Ensures deceased persons are given a proper burial or cremation where the estate or responsible survivors are unable to pay for funeral expenses. The Income Support (IS) Program provides basic funeral services for indigent persons who die or are transported to Alberta for a burial. Basic funeral services are provided for under an Agreement with funeral homes in Alberta.
Alberta Human Services and Assured Income for The Severely Handicapped (AISH)
Human Services will pay a basic service fee for disposition, embalming (optional), one primary service, visitation, graveside service, interment, casket, cremation, and the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board fee. They will also cover the grave liner, cemetery plot, opening and closing of the grave for either a casket or an urn. Families may upgrade at their discretion as long as the cost of the upgrade is not paid for by the responsible survivor. Upgrades cannot be made and paid for by the responsible survivors. They must be looked after by a different relative or friend.
A responsible survivor is expected to financially contribute toward the cost of basic funeral services. AISH does not pay funeral expenses if the responsible survivor has assets over $5,000 and refuses to pay, or refuses to provide the information required showing their inability to pay.
A responsible survivor is defined as:
- the cohabiting partner of the deceased (providing that the cohabiting partner is not formally separated or in divorce proceedings);
- the legal parents of a deceased child less than 18 years old; or
- the legal sponsor of a sponsored immigrant.
Veterans Assistance
Ensures that no Veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial due to insufficient funds at time of death.
Last Post Fund National Office Veterans’ Benefits
If the deceased was a veteran, you may be eligible to receive funding towards funeral, burial, and grave marking expenses. For application, information and general inquiries, please click here to visit Last Post Fund National Office website. Click here to access an online form to supply preliminary information and initiate an application. Once submitted, a Last Post Fund representative will contact you.
Canadian Forces Members
The Department of National Defence funding for the actual and reasonable funeral/burial expenditures for the deceased Canadian Forces members. This may include casket or urn, professional service fees, facility rental, interment, scattering of cremated remains, a niche, an obituary, an organist or musician, flowers, reception and photographic mementos. The Department of National Defence also covers the cost of cemetery plots and military headstones, which will be accounted for outside of the allotted benefit.
A tax-free, lump sum payment of a death benefit may be paid to a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children of a Canadian Forces member who is killed while in service or injured while in service and dies within 30 days of injury. Enquire with the Department of National Defense for information.
For more information and general inquiries, please click here or contact the Veterans Affairs Canada on 1-866-522-2122 (English) / 1-866-522-2022 (French) or information@vac-acc.gc.ca .
Regarding the Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP), contact 1-800-267-6681.
Regarding the Canadian Forces Pension Office, contact 1-800-267-0325.
Work-related Death
If the death was work-related, you may be entitled to benefit to be used towards funeral expenses (burial or cremation).
Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB)
WCB may provide additional funds to cover transportation to funeral or burial location. Additional benefits may also be available for a survivor. To learn more about this benefit, please
click here to access WCB website or call
1-866-922-9221 .
Motor Vehicle Accident
In the event of a death due to a motor vehicle accident, the deceased’s family may have available to them policies of insurance to assist with expenses.
Contact the deceased’s automobile insurer to determine what benefits will be available.
Victims of Crime
Recognizes or acknowledges victims who were injured as a direct result of a violent crime in Alberta.
Victims of Crime Financial Benefits Program
It provides direct assistance with a one-time financial benefit based on the severity of the victim's injuries. To be eligible, a person must suffer some direct personal injury as a result of a violent crime such as assault, murder, criminal negligence, manslaughter, arson, rape and others. The dependents of anyone killed in the above circumstances may apply for a lump sum payment. A lump sum is paid directly to the family as a death benefit to use as they see fit. Click here to learn more about Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security and to access and fill the online forms.
Life Insurance
If the deceased had a life insurance policy, the insurer should be contacted to find out how to receive any funds available under the policy.
Credit Cards
Balance protection insurance or other insurance may be present on a credit card, ask about these things before closing the card. Airmiles, Aeroplan and other loyalty programs may have avenues for transferring points from a deceased member to a beneficiary.
Other items to go through:
Canada Revenue Agency Notification and Taxes, Cancel CPP/OAS, Cancel Work/Union Pensions, Change Land Titles, Change Vehicle Registration, Cancel Alberta Health, Cancel Driver’s Licence, Cancel Passport, Notify Utility Companies, Notify deceased’s workplace, Redirecting mail.
While we strive to keep the information timely and accurate, we do not make any claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of any information contained herein or through the resources you will find. Nothing contained in this handout should be construed to constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any products or services. Finally, Park Memorial is not responsible for any damages of any nature, arising out of the use of this webpage or the reliance of the information provided herein.
