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The Canada Survivor Allowance—officially the Allowance for the Survivor (AFS)—supports low-income Canadians aged 60–64 after a spouse or common-law partner has passed away.
Below is your quick guide to the September 2025 payment date, the maximum monthly amount for the current quarter, and the eligibility rules you need to know, all explained in simple language.
September 2025 Payment Date
Old Age Security (OAS) programs—including GIS, Allowance, and Allowance for the Survivor—follow a fixed monthly schedule.
For September 2025, deposits are scheduled for September 25, 2025. If you use direct deposit, funds typically arrive faster; cheques may take longer to reach you.
Benefit Amounts For July–September 2025
For the July to September 2025 quarter, the maximum monthly AFS payment is up to $1,663.81 when your annual net income is below $29,976.
OAS-related benefits are reviewed every January, April, July, and October to keep up with inflation.
If prices fall, your amount will not decrease.
Is The Benefit Taxable?
Good news: the Allowance for the Survivor is non-taxable. However, you should file your taxes on time each year so your payments continue without interruption.
Eligibility Rules (Simple Checklist)
You may qualify for AFS if you:
- Are 60–64 years old.
- Live in Canada and are a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- Your spouse/common-law partner has died, and since then you have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18 (some international social security agreements may help if you have mixed residence).
- Have annual net income below $29,976.
How To Apply And Get Paid
- When to apply: You can apply once your spouse/partner has passed and you are between 60 and 64. You can submit forms up to 11 months before turning 60 if you’re approaching eligibility.
- How you’re paid: Choose direct deposit to a Canadian bank account (recommended for speed and security) or cheque by mail.
- Keep payments going: Report changes (new relationship, income changes, residency) promptly and file taxes each year.
Quick Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| September 2025 Pay Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Max Monthly AFS (Jul–Sep 2025) | Up to $1,663.81 |
| Income Threshold | Less than $29,976 annual net income |
| Tax Status | Non-taxable benefit (file taxes yearly) |
| Eligibility Basics | Age 60–64, spouse/partner deceased, no remarriage, 10+ years Canadian residence, below income threshold |
| Rate Reviews | Quarterly (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct); no decrease if CPI falls |
Tips To Maximize Your Approval
- File taxes early: Ensures your income is assessed correctly and payments continue.
- Use direct deposit: Reduces delays and lost-cheque issues.
- Keep documents ready: Death certificate, proof of status/residency, and income details help speed up processing.
The Canada Survivor Allowance is a crucial, non-taxable support for Canadians aged 60–64 who have lost a spouse or partner.
For September 2025, watch for the deposit on September 25. If your income is under $29,976, you may receive up to $1,663.81 per month this quarter.
Review the eligibility list, apply promptly, and set up direct deposit to receive your benefit smoothly and on time.
FAQs
AFS is only for ages 60–64. When you turn 65, it ends and you may transition to OAS and, if eligible, the GIS based on your income and residence history.
No. One key rule states you must not remarry or enter a new common-law relationship after your spouse/partner’s death to keep receiving AFS.
Possibly. OAS-related benefits are indexed quarterly. New amounts may apply from October 2025, but payments won’t decrease even if inflation slows.