Losing a loved one is very difficult, and there are a number of steps that must be completed before one can begin any kind of healing. Mourning is a very personal process. That said, when the administrative burden following someone’s death falls upon a loved one’s shoulders, the situation can quickly become overwhelming. There’s a desire to do things right to honour the deceased, without sidestepping any money to which the survivors are entitled. It’s therefore important to become familiar with some key pieces of information regarding government benefits and pensions to ease the burden when the time comes to file such applications.
The Québec Pension Plan sets out three types of benefits for the loved ones of the deceased. As for the Canada Pension Plan, there is only one death benefit, with special criteria for Quebec. The easiest way to go about it is to contact directly the Québec Pension Plan and to mention if the deceased has paid into the Canada Pension Plan. The Québec Pension Plan will then work with the Canada Pension Plan to determine the benefits/pensions to which you are entitled.
The death benefit is a lump-sum payment of up to $2,500, where priority is given to the person or charitable organization that paid the funeral expenses. Should funeral expenses be less than $2,500, the difference is paid to the estate. The benefit can be paid to the deceased’s heirs should an application for funeral expenses not be submitted within 60 days of the death. If there are no heirs or if the heirs have renounced the estate, the death benefit can be paid to others in the following order: the deceased’s spouse, the descendants or ascendants of the deceased.
The surviving spouse’s pension under the Québec pension Plan ensures a basic income to the surviving spouse. If the deceased was in a common-law partnership, married, in a civil union or legally separated, the surviving spouse’s pension will be paid to the spouse. The related terms and conditions are determined accordingly. Up to $1,000 can be paid out monthly through this pension. The amount is determined based on certain considerations, including the age of the deceased’s spouse and the surviving spouse’s family situation.
The orphan’s pension is payable to the person(s) who provides for the underage child of the deceased. It amounts to approximately $250 per month and is paid out until the child reaches the age of maturity.
Québec Pension Plan benefits and pensions are subject to the deceased having paid into the Plan. He/she has to have contributed during at least the third of the required contribution period set out by the Québec Pension Plan, or for at least 10 years. However, a death benefit may be paid out even if the deceased does not meet contribution eligibility criteria, as long as the deceased contributed at least $500 to the Plan without receiving a retirement or disability pension. Another exception is provided in the event the deceased suffered from a severe impairment. In such cases, further guidance should be sought regarding eligibility criteria.
Keep in mind that the benefits and pensions provided under the Québec Pension Plan are taxable. They must therefore be included in your tax return.
It’s important to know that there are other organizations which provide such benefits and pensions as those listed in this article. Take a moment to go through the list below and contact any other organizations which may hold money to which you are entitled.
M. Tittel, laissez-moi vous remercier pour la journée d’hier. Votre personnel attentionné a fait en sorte que tout se passe bien et dans le respect. Encore une fois votre organisation s’est montrée très professionnel et à la hauteur de nos attentes.
Pier-Luc Cadieux
Je souhaite vous remercier de ma part et de toute ma famille pour nous avoir soutenu tout au long du processus. Depuis la crémation jusqu’au funérailles et malgré les petits pépins qu’on a rencontré. La cérémonie avec Mme Prénovost a été à la hauteur de nos attentes. Merci encore pour votre dévouement, nous l’avons tous apprécié.
Danielle Daoust
Un weekend rempli d’émotions. Merci Les Sentiers qui est tellement un bel endroit….la vue, le personnel, l’ambiance, et j’en passe et que dire de la célébrante Suzie Prénovost une personne merveilleuse et humaine. Merci ma belle-famille d’amour Bon voyage papa, pour toujours dans nos pensées et nos coeurs.
Elisabeth
Merci pour tout, ce fut une journée vraiment formidable. Merci pour votre professionnalisme et votre rigueur!
Chantale Veilleux
Un très gros merci à toute l’équipe! En particulier pour celles qui nous ont accompagnés toute la journée. Tout s’est déroulé à merveille grâce à leur aide. Les invités ont absolument adoré l’endroit. Ce fut une très belle journée dans les circonstances. Ma mère aurait été très contente de la cérémonie et de cette journée.
Félix Morency-Lavoie