Losing a spouse can create emotional as well as financial challenges. To ease the burden, the Canada Survivor’s Allowance provides monthly support for widowed Canadians who are not yet old enough to qualify for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
In this article, we will explain the eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and the confirmed September 2025 payment date so you can plan ahead with confidence.
What Is the Canada Survivor’s Allowance?
The Survivor’s Allowance is a non-taxable monthly payment designed for widowed Canadians aged 60 to 64. This program helps low-income survivors maintain financial stability until they reach age 65 and qualify for OAS.
Key points:
- Available only to widowed individuals who have not remarried.
- Payments are made every month, usually by direct deposit or cheque.
- Benefit amounts are updated four times a year (quarterly).
Eligibility Criteria for September 2025
To qualify for the Survivor’s Allowance, applicants must meet all of these conditions:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | Between 60 and 64 years |
| Marital Status | Must be widowed and not remarried or in a new common-law relationship |
| Residency | Must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident, and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18 |
| Income | Annual net income must be below $29,976 |
| OAS Status | Cannot already be receiving the Old Age Security pension |
Benefit Amounts in September 2025
The maximum Survivor’s Allowance as of September 2025 is $1,663.81 per month.
Important details:
- The exact payment depends on your annual income — the lower your income, the closer you are to the maximum amount.
- Payments are non-taxable, so you don’t need to include them in your income tax return.
- Benefit amounts are adjusted quarterly, so new rates will apply starting October 2025.
Canada Survivor’s Allowance Payment Date — September 2025
The confirmed payment date for September 2025 is:
- 25 September 2025 (Thursday)
Here’s the full 2025 payment schedule:
| Month / Year | Payment Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | January 29 | Wednesday |
| February 2025 | February 26 | Wednesday |
| March 2025 | March 28 | Friday |
| April 2025 | April 28 | Monday |
| May 2025 | May 28 | Wednesday |
| June 2025 | June 26 | Thursday |
| July 2025 | July 29 | Tuesday |
| August 2025 | August 27 | Wednesday |
| September 2025 | September 25 | Thursday |
| October 2025 | October 29 | Wednesday |
| November 2025 | November 26 | Wednesday |
| December 2025 | December 22 | Monday |
How to Apply
If you think you qualify, here’s what to do:
- Apply about 11 months before your 60th birthday.
- Complete the application form (Survivor’s Allowance form).
- Submit online through your Service Canada account or mail the form.
- Include proof of income, marital status, and residence history.
- Once approved, payments will be issued monthly until you turn 65.
The Canada Survivor’s Allowance is more than just a financial program — it’s a lifeline for widowed Canadians who are navigating both emotional and financial challenges.
Aimed specifically at those between ages 60 and 64, this allowance ensures that individuals who have lost their spouse but have not yet reached the OAS eligibility age of 65 do not fall through the cracks.
For September 2025, the confirmed payment date is September 25, and eligible recipients can receive up to $1,663.81 per month.
This amount is non-taxable, which means the support you receive will go directly into helping with your everyday needs such as rent, groceries, medical expenses, or other living costs.
With the rising cost of living in Canada, having a consistent monthly allowance provides peace of mind and stability during uncertain times.
What makes this program particularly important is its focus on low-income survivors.
To qualify, your annual income must remain under the established threshold, and you must not have remarried or entered into a new common-law partnership. This ensures that the benefit truly reaches those who need it most.
Applying for the Survivor’s Allowance is straightforward, and payments are issued monthly through direct deposit or cheque, depending on your preference.
The benefit continues until you turn 65, at which point you transition to OAS and GIS. With quarterly reviews and adjustments, the program is designed to stay relevant to changing economic conditions.
FAQs
When will the Survivor’s Allowance be paid in September 2025?
The payment will be issued on September 25, 2025.
How much is the monthly Survivor’s Allowance in 2025?
The maximum monthly payment is $1,663.81, depending on your income.
Is the Survivor’s Allowance taxable?
No, the Survivor’s Allowance is non-taxable.