If a parent or guardian becomes seriously ill or passes away, it can be a very hard time for a child, both emotionally and financially. To help, the Canada Pension Plan Children’s Benefit provides monthly payments to families who qualify.
Whether you are a parent, guardian, or a young person affected by a parent’s disability or death, understanding the CPP Children’s Benefit is essential.
In our guide, you will find clear information on eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect, so your family can access the help it needs.
What is the Canada Pension Plan Children’s Benefit?
The CPP Children’s Benefit is a monthly financial support given by the Canadian government to help support children when their parents have a disability or have passed away and were part of the Canada Pension Plan.
This benefit is part of Canada’s wider support system to make sure children do not struggle financially if their parents can no longer help them because of disability or death.
These children’s benefits represent the government’s recognition that family financial stability extends beyond the primary contributor to include their dependents.
How Many Types of CPP Children’s Benefits are Available?
There are two distinct types of CPP children’s benefits, each serving different circumstances based on the parents’ situation.
Disabled Contributor’s Child’s Benefit
A monthly payment for children whose parents are receiving a CPP disability benefit, including the post-retirement disability benefit. It helps ensure the child continues to receive financial support when the parent can no longer work due to a disability.
Surviving Child’s Benefit
The Surviving Child’s Benefit provides monthly support to children whose parent, a CPP contributor, has passed away. To qualify, the deceased parent must have made enough contributions to the CPP during their working years.
Who is Eligible for CPP Children’s Benefits?
Eligibility for CPP Children’s Benefits depends on three important factors, including the child’s age, their relationship to the CPP contributor, and the status of the parent or guardian.
Age Requirements
The child must fall within a specific age range and meet certain school attendance requirements depending on their age.
- Under 18 years old: The child is eligible for the benefit.
- Ages 18 to 25: Must be enrolled full-time or part-time at an approved educational institution to qualify
Relationship Requirements
The child must be recognized as the contributor’s dependent through one of these relationships:
- They are the biological child of the CPP contributor
- They were legally adopted by the contributor before turning 21
- They were under the care and responsibility of the contributor either by law or in practice before the age of 21
Parent/Contributor Requirements
The parent or guardian must meet one of these conditions:
- Currently receiving a CPP disability benefit (standard or post-retirement)
- Deceased and having met CPP contributory requirements for a death benefit
If a disabled contributor is over 65 and their child stops attending school, the child’s eligibility for the disabled contributor’s child benefit ends.
How Much Can Children Receive from CPP Child Benefits?
The amount a child receives from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) depends on their age and student status. The table below outlines the monthly and annual payments based on each situation.
| Child’s Situation | Monthly Payment (2025) | Annual Total (2025) |
| Under 18 years old | $301.77 | $3,621.24 |
| Ages 18-25, full-time student | $301.77 | $3,621.24 |
| Ages 18-25, part-time student | $150.89 (half rate) | $1,810.62 |
Source: Canada Pension Plan: Pensions and benefits monthly amounts – Canada.ca
The distinction between full-time and part-time attendance significantly impacts benefit amounts. For those aged 18–25, full-time students receive the full flat rate, while part-time students receive half that amount.
When Should You Apply for CPP Children’s Benefits?
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible after the qualifying event occurs to maximize benefit entitlement.
Dependent children or their guardians should complete applications when any of these situations arise:
- A parent applies for disability benefits (no need to wait for it to be approved)
- A child starts living with a parent who is already receiving CPP disability benefits
- A parent or guardian passes away
For children of a disabled contributor, payments start when the parent’s disability benefit begins, when the child becomes dependent, or up to 12 months before applying.
For children of a deceased contributor, payments start after the parent’s death, when the child becomes dependent, or up to 12 months before applying.
These benefits continue as long as the child remains eligible. However, payments stop when:
- The month after the child turns 18 (unless attending school)
- The month after the child turns 25
- The month after the child dies
- If aged 18 – 25: the month after stopping full-time or part-time studies
How to Apply for CPP Children’s Benefits
Applying for CPP Children’s Benefits depends on the child’s age and the parent’s circumstances. While both online and paper application options are available, choosing the right one can help you speed up the process and ensure your application is complete.
The table below helps you choose the right application method for your situation.
| Situation | Application Method | How to Apply |
| Children under 18 – Disabled Parent | Online | Sign in to My Service Canada Account (MSCA), select “Apply for Canada Pension Plan disability benefits,” and upload documents. |
| Paper | Complete forms ISP1152 and section F of ISP1151, then mail them with documents to Service Canada. | |
| Children under 18 – Deceased Parent | Online | Log in to MSCA, select “Apply for Canada Pension Plan survivor’s pension and children’s benefits,” and upload documents. |
| Paper | Complete form ISP1300, include required documents, and submit or mail to Service Canada. | |
| Students aged 18 to 25 | Paper | Complete paper form ISP1402 (Child’s Benefit Application and Declaration), provide proof of enrollment or have the school complete Section E, mail it or drop it off at a Service Canada Centre. |
To ensure a smooth application process, you must ensure that all documents are complete and accurate before submitting. Keeping copies of your application and any correspondence will help in case you need to follow up.
When is CPP Children’s Benefit Paid in 2026?
CPP benefits are paid monthly. For the year of 2026, payments will be issued on:
- January 28
- February 25
- March 27
- April 28
- May 27
- June 26
- July 29
- August 27
- September 25
- October 28
- November 26
- December 22
Understanding when benefits start and end ensures students and families receive the full support they are entitled to without missing a payment.
How Do You Renew CPP Children’s Benefits for Students?
Students aged 18-25 must submit ISP1402 each year or each semester (when requested) to maintain payment eligibility. You can renew online or by paper; each method has a different procedure.
Online Renewal Process
Full-time students can renew benefits online through My Service Canada Account by:
- Signing into MSCA
- Selecting “Submit a declaration of attendance at school or university” from the CPP dashboard
- Uploading proof of enrollment OR a signed ISP1402 form
Part-time students cannot use online renewal and must submit paper applications. See the next section for details.
Paper Renewal Requirements
All part-time students and those preferring paper applications must:
- Complete Canada Pension Plan Child’s Benefit Application and Declaration (ISP1402)
- Include proof of enrollment or have the school complete Section E
- Mail forms to Service Canada or submit them at the local office
Renewal Timing Requirements
Students must renew benefits:
- At the beginning of every school year
- When returning to school after study breaks
- At the beginning of the semester for semester-system schools
- When attendance starts mid-traditional school year
Benefits continue during normal school vacation periods, but students must submit completed attendance forms when returning to school to avoid payment interruption.
The Bottom Line
CPP children’s benefits give important help to families in Canada when a parent who contributed to the program becomes disabled or passes away. These benefits help families stay stable during difficult times and make sure kids can still get the things they need.
Whether you are applying for a young child or you are a student between 18 and 25, keeping up to date and talking to Service Canada can help protect your benefits and stop any problems from happening.
In the end, CPP children’s benefits are a key part of Canada’s support system. They help families by reducing stress and letting young people focus on school and their future.
FAQs about Canada Pension Plan Children’s Benefit
Can a child receive two CPP children's benefits?
Yes, children are permitted to receive a maximum of two children's benefits simultaneously.
What happens to CPP children's benefits during summer vacation?
The benefits continue during normal school vacation periods, but students must submit a completed school attendance form when they return to their studies to maintain their benefits.
How far back can CPP children's benefits be paid?
The Canada Pension Plan can only make back payments for up to 12 months, which includes 11 months plus the month you apply.
Can part-time students receive CPP children's benefits?
Yes, students aged 18–25 attending school part-time can receive half of the flat rate amount of the benefit.
Can children studying outside Canada receive the CPP children's benefits?
Yes, students attending recognized educational institutions outside Canada can receive the benefit if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
How are CPP children's benefits paid out?
CPP benefits (including children’s benefits) are issued on the regular CPP payment dates. If you’re enrolled in direct deposit, the payment goes to your bank account. If you receive payments by cheque, delivery can take longer.
What happens if a student works while receiving CPP children's benefits?
Working during summer breaks or part-time during the school year does not affect eligibility for the children's benefit.
