Canada offers vital financial support for widowed spouses or common-law partners aged 60–64 through the Allowance for the Survivor, a temporary benefit leading into OAS and GIS eligibility.
In 2025, the maximum payment is $1,663.81 per month, serving as a crucial bridge until age 65.
Key Details At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Allowance for the Survivor |
| Maximum Monthly Amount | $1,663.81 (July–September 2025) |
| Eligibility Age | 60 to 64 years |
| Income Threshold | Under $29,976 net annual income |
| Residency Requirement | Canadian citizen or legal resident with 10 years since age 18 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly, same schedule as OAS/GIS |
| Application Required | Yes—apply after spouse’s death, not earlier than 11 months before age 60 |
What Is the Allowance for the Survivor?
The Allowance for the Survivor is designed as a temporary monthly income for low‑income spouses or common-law partners who are widowed and not yet eligible for OAS or GIS due to being under age 65. It helps soften the financial impact in the transition years.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for the 2025 maximum of $1,663.81/month, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be between 60 and 64 years old
- Be the widowed spouse or common-law partner of someone who received OAS/GIS, without remarriage or a new partnership
- Reside in Canada, with at least 10 years of residency since turning 18
- Have a net annual income below $29,976
Payment Schedule 2025
The Allowance for the Survivor follows the same monthly deposit schedule as OAS/GIS, which typically occurs on the last business days of each month. Recipients can expect payments to land in their bank accounts (via direct deposit, if set up) on these 2025 dates:
- January 29
- February 26
- March 27
- April 28
- May 28
- June 26
- July 29
- August 27
- September 25
- October 29
- November 26
- December 22
How It Bridges to OAS and GIS
As soon as the recipient turns 65, the Allowance for the Survivor stops, and they transition to the standard OAS and GIS programs. This ensures there’s no income gap as they move into the regular senior benefits system.
The $1,663.81/month Allowance for the Survivor in 2025 is a meaningful financial safety net for widowed Canadians aged 60–64 with modest incomes. It ensures continuity of support between losing a partner and qualifying for standard senior benefits.
Payments follow a reliable monthly schedule, and eligibility requires applying and meeting residency and income criteria. If you or someone you know may qualify, applying timely through Service Canada can secure this important lifeline.
