Major Changes
Loss of Loved One
Help with funeral costs
There are rules about what you can choose not to purchases (such as: flowers, newspaper obituaries, embalming) when arranging a funeral. You must also be given appropriate information to make your choices. For example, the lowest priced casket must be included in your options or in any catalogue you are given. Learn about your rights here.
The Canadian Pension Plan offers a Death Benefit to the spouse or next-of-kin of up to $2,500 to help with funeral costs. You must apply for this benefit before applying for financial support from other sources.
It can take up to 12 weeks to receive the Death Benefit.
[Apply online now] Requires a My Service Canada Account
[Download the Application form [PDF]]
If you are denied the Death Benefit you can request a reconsideration.
The Department of Community Services offers a Funeral Assistance program to help with the costs of funeral and burial. The next-of-kin must first apply for the CPP Death Benefit.
Department of Community Services
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
♿️ 229 Main St.
The Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program ensures that eligible Veterans receive dignified funeral, burial and grave marking. The Last Post Fund (LPF) is a non-profit organization which delivers the program on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada. To be eligible for the program, Veterans must meet both military and financial criteria.
You must apply within 1 year of the death.
[Apply Online] Be sure to have military and financial records of the deceased.
Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Financial support for survivors
The Canadian Pension Plan offers a monthly benefit for children of CPP contributors who are under 25 and still attending school full-time.
More help and support
Search for information about government programs:
By Topic (ex. Housing)
By Department or Service Provider (ex. Community Services)
By Program or Service Provided (ex. Accessible transportation)
Search for contact information of program and service providers across the province.
Fill out a simple, confidential survey to see what government benefits you are eligible for.
The regional library’s website has a directory of services and collections of brochures on subjects including:
The Health & Wellness section, in particular, has multiple links to information on subjects as wide-ranging as Affordable Housing to Grief to Diabetes.