Practical concerns

If the deceased has paid into the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), contact the local CPP office. The CPP death benefit should be applied for as soon as possible after the death occurs. A lump-sum death benefit is payable to the estate of a deceased person who contributed to the Plan for at least the minimum qualifying period. The spouse and dependent children of the deceased may also be eligible for Survivor's Benefits under the plan. The telephone number is listed in the Blue pages under:

Service Canada
English - 1-800-277-9914 French - 1-800-277-9915

Veterans receiving a Veterans Affairs Canada pension or allowance may qualify for grants to be applied toward the cost of a funeral. Assistance with cemetery costs may also be provided. All branches of The Royal Canadian Legion have a welfare officer who can provide further information and assistance with claims. The funeral director can also assist you in contacting the local VAC office.

Sunnybrook VAC office: 1-866-522-2122

The Last Post Fund provides for a dignified burial of any financially needy veteran who served in the Armed Forces of Canada or any of Canada's Allies during a major war.

The Last Post Fund
55 St Clair Avenue East, Suite 905 Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Toll Free: 1 (800) 465-7113

(formerly Worker's Compensation Board)
A burial allowance is available for individuals who died accidentally while on the job. Inquiries and applications should be directed to:

The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board
200 Front Street West Toronto, ON M5V 3J1 416-344-1000

If death was the result of a motor vehicle accident, contact the car insurance company as soon as possible. Under Ontario's no-fault insurance program a payment will be made to cover part of the funeral expenses. In cases of motor vehicle accident where neither the deceased nor the other party were insured, contact the Accident Claims Fund. The deceased may still qualify for the funeral benefit.

Accident Claims Fund
416-590-7043

If the deceased had life insurance, contact the insurance agent or local representative for assistance with claim forms. In the case of the death of a school-aged child, check the insurance policy you may have purchased through the school insurance program.

Many organizations, lodges, and social clubs provide a death benefit payable to the estate of the deceased member. Contact any organization to which the deceased belonged. Inquire if the deceased paid into survivor's benefit, death benefits or life insurance through the organization. You can also let the Funeral Director know the names and addresses of all the lodges, clubs, and associations to which the deceased belonged. He or she will know organizations that offer a benefit to which you are entitled, and will assist you in applying for them.

Check with the Personnel Department to determine whether the deceased was enrolled in a pension plan, has life insurance, or was eligible for some type of termination pay at time of death. If the deceased was a union member, inquire with the union as well, since some private benefits programs exist in conjunction with respective union dues.

If insurance was in the deceased's name, notify the insurance companies in writing.

If the deceased owned a car, you must notify the Ministry of Transport and the insurance company.

www.mto.gov.on.ca/english