Benefits & Financial Assistance
If you've recently lost a loved one, you may qualify for financial support.
Here are programs that help with funeral costs and survivor benefits.
Government Survivor Benefits
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on benefits:
- One-time death benefit
- Monthly survivor’s pension
- Children’s benefit for dependents
- Allowance for the survivor (for low-income widowed spouses under age 65)
- International benefits for those who lived or worked abroad
Visit the Government of Canada’s pensions and benefits page for more information.
Veterans Affairs Canada
Support for eligible Veterans and families:
- Death benefit (for deaths in the line of duty)
- Canadian Forces income support
- Survivor’s pension (following a disability pension recipient’s death)
- Funeral and burial assistance via the Last Post Fund
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Support for families when a death is work-related:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Transportation and bereavement counselling
- Lump sum and monthly survivor payments
Other Financial Assistance
Last Post Fund – Funeral and Burial Program
Covers funeral, burial and grave marking for eligible Veterans. See eligibility and application details on the Last Post Fund website.
City of Toronto – Funeral Assistance
Covers basic funeral, burial or cremation costs for low-income residents with insufficient estate funds. Visit the City of Toronto’s Health and Support page.
Employment Insurance – Compassionate Care Benefits
Provides temporary income for those caring for a seriously ill family member. Learn more about EI Compassionate Care Benefits
Ontario Social Assistance Office Finder
Look up Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) by address or postal code via this office locator website.