Looking for clear info on the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) children’s benefits? Here’s a simple guide covering who qualifies, how much you can get in 2025, and how to apply (online or by form)—plus key rules for students aged 18–25.
What is the CPP Children’s Benefit?
The CPP children’s benefit pays a flat monthly amount to a dependent child of a disabled CPP contributor or a deceased CPP contributor (if contribution requirements were met).
A child can receive a maximum of two children’s benefits (for example, if both parents qualify).
Who is Eligible?
A child is eligible if they are:
- Under 18, or
- 18 to 25 and in full-time or part-time attendance at a recognized school or university.
Children can qualify as the natural, legally/in-fact adopted, or in-fact/legally in care of the contributor (generally while under age 21 for adoption/in-fact care criteria).
Eligibility also requires the parent to be receiving CPP disability (including post-retirement disability) or to have died after meeting CPP contribution rules.
How Much Can a Child Receive in 2025?
CPP children’s benefits are flat-rate amounts that are indexed annually. For 2025:
- Under 18: $301.77/month
- 18–25 and full-time students: $301.77/month
- 18–25 and part-time students: $150.89/month (half rate)
1. Quick Reference (2025)
| Child’s Situation | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Under age 18 | $301.77 |
| 18–25, full-time student | $301.77 |
| 18–25, part-time student | $150.89 |
Amounts above reflect the official 2025 CPP payment amounts.
When Do Payments Start and Who Gets Paid?
Start dates vary: for children of disabled contributors, payments can begin the month the disability benefit starts, the month after the child becomes the contributor’s child, or up to 12 months retroactive (including the month of application).
For deceased contributors, payments can begin the month after death (or other latest applicable month) with up to 12 months retroactivity.
Who is paid:
- If the child is under 18 and lives with the disabled contributor (or a legal guardian/agency has decision-making responsibility), payment is made on the child’s behalf.
- If the child is 18–25 and in school (full-time or part-time), payment is made directly to the student.
How to Apply (Online & Paper)
1. For a Child Under 18
- Disabled contributor’s child: Apply online via My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or use application form.
- Deceased contributor’s child: Apply online via MSCA or submit the relevant paper form.
2. For Students 18–25 (Full-time or Part-time)
- Apply with the Student Application & Declaration Form (Over 18 in School). Include proof of enrolment (or have a school official complete a section of the form).
3. Renewals
- Full-time students can renew online in MSCA.
- Part-time students must renew with the paper form.
School Attendance & Proof
For ages 18–25, you must show full-time or part-time attendance at a recognized institution.
Acceptable proof includes an official online student portal document, an email attestation from a school official, or the required section of the form completed by the school—showing name, student ID, program, school details, term dates, and status.
Key Rules & Stops
The benefit stops the month after the child:
- Turns 18 (unless in school),
- Leaves school (ages 18–25),
- Turns 25, or
- Dies.
If a disabled parent dies, an 18–25 student’s benefit is automatically converted to a surviving child’s benefit; under-18 children require an application. Overpayments must be repaid.
The CPP children’s benefit offers reliable, indexed, flat-rate support for dependent children of disabled or deceased CPP contributors.
In 2025, students can receive $301.77/month (full-time) or $150.89/month (part-time), with streamlined online applications and renewals through MSCA (paper options available).
Applying as soon as possible helps you avoid losing retroactive months and ensures timely, direct payments—especially for students managing studies and finances.
FAQs
Can I work in the summer and still get the benefit as a student?
Yes. Summer employment doesn’t affect eligibility, as long as you continue to meet attendance and age requirements during the relevant periods.
I’m 19 and in part-time college. Am I eligible?
Yes, part-time students 18–25 can qualify, but they receive half the flat rate and must submit proof of enrolment with the correct form.
How far back can payments go if I apply late?
Up to 12 months of retroactive benefits (including the month of application), subject to eligibility. Apply as early as possible.