Children's benefits

What benefits are available for my children?

The CPP provides monthly benefits for dependent children of parents who are receiving CPP disability benefits. If both parents are receiving CPP disability benefits, their dependent children may receive two children’s benefits–one for each parent. Children may also be eligible for two benefits if one parent has died (if the deceased was a CPP contributor).

Please note that, like all CPP benefits, children’s benefits must be applied for in writing. Do not forget to let us know if your family situation changes while you are receiving benefits. You must inform us if children are added to the family or are no longer in your custody. We need to know so that we can offer additional benefits, or cancel existing ones to prevent an overpayment that would have to be repaid later.

Who is considered to be “my dependent child”?

Your child is your natural or adopted child, or a child in your care and custody. To be considered dependent, your child must be either under the age of 18 or between 18 and 25 and attending a recognized school or university full time.

When do children’s benefits stop?

Children’s benefits stop if:

• the parent stops receiving CPP disability benefits;
• the child is no longer dependent;
• the child is between 18 and 25 and no longer attends school full time;
• the child turns 25; or
• the child dies.