Government Benefits

When a spouse or common-law partner dies,you may be entitled to government survivor benefits, as well as children's benefits. You must apply for these benefits through the specific government agency. If you have questions about any of these benefits, please contact the agency directly. OMERS does not have information regarding these benefits. 

You may be eligible for survivor benefits from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). CPP also offers one-time benefits to help cover funeral expenses (OMERS does not offer this benefit). Information about CPP and the Old Age Security program (OAS), Allowance for the survivor and Guaranteed Income Supplement. 

Other resources


Health Canada has a range of information specifically for seniors. 

Bereaved Families of Ontario helps people learn to live with grief. The site has links to support groups and chapters across Ontario. 

This Ontario government site provides information on the steps to take immediately after someone dies. 

Ontario Society (Coalition) of Senior Citizens' Organizations (OCSCO) is an organization with a mission to improve the quality of life for seniors. 

Public Health Agency of Canada, Aging and Seniors.  

Seniors Canada has information and links to seniors and government websites. 

Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus. 

The Ontario Seniors' Secretariat works to improve the quality of life for seniors.

Centre for the Grief Journey 

The Canadian Mental Health Association has information about how to find help for emotional distress.