Estate Benefits Service

Estate Benefits Service

We understand that dealing with a death in the family is something that, fortunately, most don't have a lot of experience with. There are a myriad of details to be attended to and, no matter the value of an individual's estate, all executors have the same responsibilities under the law. In order to guide you through the process, we provide a checklist to help get you started on the various steps and contacts which may be required. One area many are unfamiliar with involves various government benefits which most are entitled to. Irvine Funeral Home assists with application for these funds. Here is some additional information to assist you.

Income Security Programs

To save a family representative or executor from having to directly contact ISP, we will at no charge send a faxed notification of death on your behalf. When this is done, no further proof or certification of death is necessary to stop monthly payments from Old Age Pension or Canada Pension. In addition, we supply the name and address of the person responsible for estate matters, and T-4 slips for the year of death are immediately forwarded to that individual by ISP. 

Canada Pension Plan Benefits

Any person who contributed to the Canada Pension Plan based on minimum contribution requirements may be entitled to death benefits upon their demise. A lump sum benefit is payable to the estate or the person responsible for funeral costs. The maximum is $2,500.00. The surviving spouse is entitled to a monthly benefit which is a portion of the deceased's CPP retirement benefit and any children of the deceased are entitled to a monthly benefit up to the age of 18, or until they are 25 if a full time student.

We can complete all application forms on your behalf and we also can certify any copies of supporting documents that are required to be submitted with the application. All the family needs to do is sign the application and we look after the rest.

If you need further information directly from Income Security Programs they may be reached at 1-800-277-9914.

Veteran's Benefits

In the case of a death of a veterans who had been in receipt of DVA benefits during their lifetime, who leaves a spouse, it is important to contact DVA as some of the benefits may carry on for the surviving spouse.

There is a death benefit in the form of a funeral grant available under the Last Post Fund. This applies in the event of the death of a veteran where there are not sufficient funds available for the funeral and burial. Based upon the financial status of the veteran's estate the Last Post Fund may provide a funeral grant and burial. We would be pleased to make all the necessary contacts and put the family in touch with a Last Post Fund representative to determine eligibility.

Funeral and Bereavement Planning Guide - Click to open

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