$1,647.34 Canada Survivor Allowance Payment in October 2025:Losing a spouse is a deeply painful experience, and the emotional strain is often accompanied by sudden financial challenges. For many Canadians aged 60 to 64, the gap between widowhood and eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) can feel particularly harsh.
To help ease this transition, the Canadian government provides the Survivor Allowance as a monthly benefit designed to support widowed individuals until they reach full pension age. In October 2025, that support may reach up to $1,647.34. But who qualifies, and when will payments arrive? In this article, we explore eligibility, application steps, payment schedules, and other essential considerations to help you understand whether you can receive this benefit.
$1,647.34 Canada Survivor Allowance Payment in October 2025-Overview
Article on | $1,647.34 Canada Survivor Allowance Payment in October 2025: Are You Eligible to Get it? Check Date |
Program Name | Canada Survivor Allowance |
Payment Amount (Oct 2025) | Up to $1,647.34 per month |
Eligibility Age | 60 to 64 years |
Income Limit | Around $29,976 annually |
Next Payment Date | October 29, 2025 |
What Is the Survivor Allowance?
The Canada Survivor Allowance is a financial support program offered by the federal government for widowed citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 60 and 64, who are not yet eligible for Old Age Security (OAS). It acts as a bridge to help individuals maintain financial stability during this transitional phase. The benefit is non-taxable, meaning that you receive the full amount without deductions for income tax.

Who Is Eligible? Key Criteria
To be eligible for the Survivor Allowance, several conditions must be met. Below is a breakdown:
Eligibility Factor | Requirement | Notes / Caveats |
Age | Must be between 60 and 64 | You cannot be receiving Old Age Security already. |
Marital Status | Widowed, not remarried or in a new common-law partnership | If you remarry or enter a new partnership, you typically lose eligibility. |
Residency / Citizenship | Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with at least 10 years of residency in Canada after age 18 | In some cases, social security agreements may apply with foreign countries. |
Income Limit | Annual income must be below a threshold (approx. $29,976) | The lower your income (within limits), the closer you might reach the maximum benefit. |
Not Already Receiving OAS | You must not already be receiving the Old Age Security pension | This benefit is specifically for those who are not yet eligible for OAS. |
Residence at Time of Application | You must be residing in Canada when you apply and while receiving payments | You must maintain your residence in Canada during the benefit period. |
Special Cases & International Residents
If you have lived or worked abroad, Canada maintains social security agreements with some countries (for example, the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and others). In certain cases, these agreements may allow you to claim a partial Survivor Allowance even if you don’t meet the full 10-year residency requirement.
How Much Will You Actually Get?
Although the headline figure is $1,647.34, this is the maximum payment for October 2025. Your actual benefit depends on your annual income. The less you earn (within the qualifying range), the closer you get to the maximum amount. Because it’s non-taxable, you do not need to worry about withholding for federal taxes. The government periodically adjusts the maximum benefit (e.g. quarterly or semiannually) to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes.
Payment Schedule: When Will You Receive It?
Regular payment dates allow benefit recipients to plan their finances. For the last quarter of 2025, the scheduled payment dates are:
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
Survivor Allowance vs. CPP Survivor Benefits
Many candidates confuse the Survivor Allowance with CPP (Canada Pension Plan) survivor benefits. Here’s a comparative look:
Feature | Survivor Allowance | CPP Survivor Benefits |
Age Range | 60 to 64 | No specific minimum age (subject to CPP rules) |
Marital / Status Requirement | Must be widowed, not remarried | Widowed or divorced individuals may qualify |
Income Limit | Yes (approx. $29,976) | No income limit typically |
Tax Treatment | Non-taxable | Taxable as income |
Residency / Contribution Requirement | 10+ years lived in Canada after age 18 | Based on CPP contributions by the deceased spouse and claimant |
Purpose | Bridge benefit before OAS eligibility | Survivor replacement based on pension contributions |
How the Survivor Allowance Fits Into Canada’s Social Safety System
The Survivor Allowance is just one piece of Canada’s comprehensive pension and benefits framework. It intersects with:
- Old Age Security (OAS) – the primary government pension starting at age 65
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – a top-up for low-income seniors
- CPP survivor and disability benefits
- Provincial and territorial social assistance or supports
Final Thoughts
The $1,647.34 Survivor Allowance in October 2025 represents a lifeline for widowed Canadians aged 60 to 64 who find themselves in a financially vulnerable position before qualifying for OAS. But this support is not automatic; you must meet strict eligibility criteria, apply correctly and on time, and maintain compliance with reporting requirements.
FAQs for $1,647.34 Canada Survivor Allowance Payment in October 2025
What is the Canada Survivor Allowance?
It’s a monthly non-taxable payment for widowed Canadians aged 60–64 who haven’t started receiving Old Age Security (OAS).
How much is the payment in October 2025?
The maximum monthly benefit is $1,647.34, depending on your annual income.
Who can apply?
Widowed Canadians or permanent residents aged 60–64 with at least 10 years of residency in Canada after age 18.
What is the income limit?
Your annual income must be below about $29,976 to qualify for the full benefit.
When are payments made?
Expected October 2025 payment date: October 29, 2025 (with following ones on Nov 26 and Dec 22).