The allowance for the survivor can provide up to $1,726.18 per month between October and December 2026, according to updated federal payment figures.
The maximum applies to an eligible surviving spouse or common-law partner whose annual net income is less than $31,152.
Service Canada says the maximum amount is not guaranteed.
The actual payment depends on the recipient’s income and individual circumstances.
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Allowance for the Survivor payment amount for October to December 2026
The Allowance for the Survivor is a monthly, tax-free benefit for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died.
For the October-to-December 2026 quarter, the published maximum is $1,726.18 per month.
| Benefit period | Income requirement | Maximum monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| October to December 2026 | Annual net income below $31,152 | Up to $1,726.18 |
The figures are part of the quarterly review of Old Age Security program benefits.
Payment rates are reviewed in January, April, July and October to reflect changes in the cost of living.
For the October-to-December 2026 adjustment, the federal government said OAS benefits increased by 1.4 per cent for the quarter.
Who can qualify for the survivor allowance
Applicants must meet several conditions before receiving the benefit.
- The applicant must be between 60 and 64 years old.
- The applicant’s spouse or common-law partner must have died.
- The applicant must not have remarried or entered a new common-law relationship.
- The applicant must live in Canada.
- The applicant must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18, subject to rules involving international social security agreements.
- The applicant must have annual income below the applicable threshold.
- The applicant must not be under a sponsorship agreement.
The benefit is separate from the Canada Pension Plan survivor’s pension.
It is also different from the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowance available to some low-income people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives GIS.
How income affects the payment
Service Canada calculates the benefit using income information from the previous year.
Income that may be considered includes CPP or Quebec Pension Plan payments, private pensions, foreign pension income, Employment Insurance benefits, investment income, taxable dividends, rental income and employment income.
Some amounts are excluded from the calculation.
These can include OAS, GIS, the Allowance, the Allowance for the Survivor, tax-free savings account income, inheritances and lottery winnings.
Applicants may also be able to claim certain deductions, including CPP or QPP contributions, Employment Insurance premiums, eligible pension contributions and some employment-related expenses.
People who are working may earn up to $5,000 and still receive the full benefit amount.
For employment income between $5,000 and $15,000, the benefit is reduced by 50 cents for every dollar earned in that range.
When the next payment is scheduled
The next Allowance for the Survivor payment date listed by the federal government is October 28, 2026.
Payment dates can vary in practice if a recipient uses a different payment method or if a banking issue affects delivery.
Recipients can review their benefit information through My Service Canada Account and consult the federal government’s OAS payment schedule.
How to apply for the Allowance for the Survivor
People do not receive the benefit automatically after a spouse or common-law partner dies.
An application is required.
Eligible applicants in Canada can apply online through My Service Canada Account.
Applicants who cannot apply online can use the federal paper application process.
Applicants should be ready to provide information about the deceased spouse or partner, including their Social Insurance Number, date of birth and date of death.
They may also need details about countries where they have lived since age 18, banking information and income from Canadian or foreign sources.
People whose spouse or common-law partner died before they turned 60 may apply between six and 11 months before their 60th birthday.
This can help payments begin as soon as possible once eligibility starts.
What recipients should do if income has fallen
The standard calculation generally uses income from the previous calendar year.
However, Service Canada may be able to estimate current-year income when a person’s income has fallen because of retirement or because another pension benefit was reduced or stopped.
Anyone in that situation should contact Service Canada rather than assuming the published maximum will apply automatically.
The $1,726.18 figure is a ceiling, not a flat payment for every eligible recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Allowance for the Survivor from October to December 2026?
Eligible recipients may receive up to $1,726.18 per month.
What is the income threshold for the Allowance for the Survivor?
Annual net income must be less than $31,152 for the October-to-December 2026 period.
Is the Allowance for the Survivor taxable?
No. The benefit is a tax-free payment.
Who can receive the Allowance for the Survivor?
Generally, surviving spouses or common-law partners aged 60 to 64 who live in Canada, meet residency and sponsorship rules, and have income below the threshold may qualify.
Do I need to apply for the Allowance for the Survivor?
Yes. Eligible people must apply through My Service Canada Account or use the paper application process.
Fact-Checked: The payment amount, income threshold, eligibility conditions, application information and October 2026 payment date were checked against current Government of Canada and Service Canada pages.
Disclaimer: The published $1,726.18 figure is a maximum, and individual payments may be lower depending on income and personal circumstances.