Government form, explained · Canada (Service Canada)
ISP-1200: applying for the CPP death benefit
ISP-1200 is the Application for a Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit, a one-time payment tied to the deceased's CPP contributions, not a flat amount everyone gets.
How much the benefit is
Effective January 1, 2025, the death benefit for eligible CPP, or CPP and QPP, contributors consists of a basic amount of $2,500, and a possible top-up of $2,500. The maximum benefit is $5,000.
The top-up applies only when the deceased had never received a disability benefit, post-retirement disability benefit, or retirement pension under the CPP or QPP, and does not have a surviving spouse or common-law partner eligible to receive a survivor's pension. Without both of those conditions, the basic $2,500 applies.
Who applies, and when
The executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death. If there is no estate, or no application from the estate, the next in line is the person who paid the funeral expenses, then the surviving spouse or common-law partner, then the next of kin, in that order.
Where to get it, and how to apply
Apply online through My Service Canada Account, or complete the paper form and mail it to Service Canada. Download the current 12-page form from the Service Canada forms catalogue (also listed on its catalogue detail page).
Where to mail it: the regional Service Canada mailing addresses are printed inside the application kit itself, not on a public webpage. Follow the address shown in the kit you download rather than guessing one.
Common mistakes
- ✗Assuming the death benefit is a flat $2,500 or a flat $5,000: it depends on whether the top-up conditions are met
- ✗Waiting past 60 days as the executor before applying, or before another eligible applicant steps in
- ✗Guessing at a mailing address instead of using the one printed in the application kit
Common Questions
What is ISP-1200?
ISP-1200 is the Application for a Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit, a one-time payment to the estate (or, if there isn't one, to another eligible applicant) of a deceased CPP contributor.
How much is the CPP death benefit?
Effective January 1, 2025, the death benefit consists of a basic amount of $2,500, and a possible top-up of $2,500. The maximum benefit is $5,000. It is never a flat figure: whether the top-up applies depends on the deceased's benefit history.
When does the $2,500 top-up apply?
When the deceased never received a disability benefit, post-retirement disability benefit, or retirement pension under the CPP or QPP, and does not have a surviving spouse or common-law partner eligible for a survivor's pension.
Who should apply, and by when?
The executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death. If there is no estate, or the estate doesn't apply, the next eligible applicant is the person who paid the funeral expenses, then the surviving spouse or common-law partner, then the next of kin.
Handling an estate?
The full guide walks through every step after a death, province by province, including the CPP survivor's pension application.
Guidepost is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal or financial advice, verify current requirements with Service Canada. Full disclaimer.