Question 1

What are the first steps after someone dies in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The first steps are: (1) Register the death and order certified copies of the Death Certificate through the provincial vital statistics office -- the funeral home usually handles registration. (2) Notify Service Canada immediately to stop CPP, OAS, and GIS payments -- overpayments must be repaid by the estate. (3) Apply for the CPP Death Benefit (up to $2,500). (4) Notify the CRA. These federal steps apply in every province.

Question 2

How do I notify Service Canada after a death?

Accepted Answer

Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 or use My Service Canada Account online. You should notify them as soon as possible after the death to cancel CPP, OAS, and GIS payments. Payments received after the date of death must be returned by the estate. You can also apply for the CPP Death Benefit (one-time payment, maximum $2,500) through Service Canada.

Question 3

What is the CPP Death Benefit and how do I apply?

Accepted Answer

The CPP Death Benefit is a one-time lump-sum payment to the estate or eligible survivors of a deceased CPP contributor. The maximum amount is $2,500 (verify the current amount at canada.ca). You apply through Service Canada. The estate's representative should apply within 60 days of the death; if no estate application is made within 60 days, payment may go to other eligible people (whoever paid the funeral, the surviving spouse, or next of kin). Apply as soon as possible.

Question 4

What happens to taxes when someone dies in Canada?

Accepted Answer

A final (terminal) T1 income tax return must be filed for the year of death. The deadline is generally April 30 of the following year, or 6 months after the date of death, whichever is later. The legal representative (executor or administrator) is responsible for filing. Quebec residents also require a final Revenu Quebec provincial return. The CRA should be notified of the death directly -- call 1-800-959-8281 or notify through CRA My Account.

Question 5

Do I need probate in Canada after someone dies?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Probate (or its provincial equivalent) is typically required for larger estates, or when financial institutions or land registries require it before releasing assets. Assets held jointly with right of survivorship, assets with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or RRSPs), and small estates may pass outside the estate without probate. The rules vary by province. Consult a lawyer -- or a notary in Quebec -- to determine whether probate is required in your situation.

What to do when someone dies in Canada

Select your province

Federal steps — same for every province

Stop government benefit payments — Service Canada

Apply for the CPP Death Benefit

Cancel the Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Notify the CRA and file the final tax return

Cancel the Canadian passport

Province-specific steps

Common questions