How to Apply for CPP Children's Benefits for a Child of a Disabled or Deceased Contributor
Learn how to apply for CPP children's benefits for a dependent child of a disabled or deceased Canada Pension Plan contributor, including eligibility under 18, student rules from age 18 to 25, 2026 payment amounts, forms, proof of enrolment and retroactive payments.
CA Canada
Benefits & Support ~ 13 min read
22 FAQ
Updated 2026-08-27
Helpydo structures practical guidance around official or public sources. For individual cases, confirm requirements with the responsible institution.
A dependent child may receive a monthly CPP children's benefit if their parent or guardian receives a CPP disability benefit or post-retirement disability benefit, or if a deceased parent or guardian met the CPP contribution requirements. Children under 18 can qualify without a school requirement. Children age 18 to 25 must attend a recognized school or university full time or part time and must apply for the benefit themselves. In 2026, the monthly amount is $307.81 for a child under 18 or a full-time student age 18 to 25, and $153.91 for a qualifying part-time student. Apply as soon as possible because CPP can generally make back payments for only up to 12 months, including the month the application is received.
What you need
- The child must be under age 18, or age 18 to 25 and attending a recognized school or university full time or part time.
- The child must be the contributor's natural child, a child legally or in fact adopted by the contributor while under age 21, or a child legally or in fact living with and under the contributor's decision-making responsibility while under age 21.
- For a disabled contributor's child's benefit, the contributor must receive a CPP disability benefit or CPP post-retirement disability benefit.
- For a surviving child's benefit, the deceased contributor must have met the CPP contribution requirements.
- For a child age 18 to 25, Form ISP1402 and proof of enrolment are required for the initial application.
- Proof of enrolment must confirm the student's name, student ID, program, school information, study dates and full-time or part-time status, unless Section E of ISP1402 is completed by an authorized school representative.
- For a child under 18, the parent, guardian or other person with decision-making responsibility normally applies on the child's behalf.
- Service Canada may request supporting documents. Readable photocopies are generally accepted when proof is required, although an original or certified copy may later be requested.
Eligibility
CPP children's benefits are monthly payments for dependent children of disabled or deceased Canada Pension Plan contributors.
There are two types: the disabled contributor's child's benefit for a child of someone receiving a CPP disability benefit or post-retirement disability benefit, and the surviving child's benefit for a child of a deceased contributor who met the applicable CPP contribution requirements.
A child qualifies by age if they are under 18, or are age 18 to 25 and attending a recognized school or university full time or part time.
The child must also have a qualifying relationship to the contributor. This can include a natural child, a child legally or in fact adopted while under age 21, or a child who was legally or in fact living with and under the contributor's decision-making responsibility while under age 21.
A child can receive a maximum of two CPP children's benefits where the applicable conditions for more than one benefit are met.
How to do it
- Confirm whether the claim is for a disabled contributor's child's benefit or a surviving child's benefit.
- Confirm the child's age. A child under 18 follows the minor-child application route. A child age 18 to 25 must be attending a recognized school or university full time or part time and applies personally.
- For a child under 18 of a disabled contributor, apply through the contributor's CPP disability application where applicable, or use Form ISP1152 for a paper application.
- For a child under 18 of a deceased contributor, apply online through My Service Canada Account using the CPP survivor's pension and children's benefits application, or use Form ISP1300 by mail.
- For a student age 18 to 25, complete Form ISP1402, Canada Pension Plan Child's Benefit Application and Declaration for a Student Over 18 Years of Age in Attendance at School or University.
- For an age 18 to 25 application, include acceptable proof of enrolment or have an authorized school representative complete Section E of ISP1402.
- Mail the student application and enrolment proof to Service Canada. Initial applications for students age 18 to 25 use the paper ISP1402 process.
- Apply as soon as eligibility begins. CPP back payments are limited to up to 12 months, including the application month.
- If the student continues studying, renew the attendance declaration as required. Full-time students can renew through My Service Canada Account; part-time students must use the paper process.
- Notify Service Canada if school attendance, enrolment status, decision-making responsibility, relationship to the contributor, address, name or banking information changes.
What are CPP children's benefits?
The Canada Pension Plan provides monthly benefits to dependent children of certain disabled or deceased CPP contributors.
There are two separate benefits:
- Disabled contributor's child's benefit: for an eligible child of a person receiving a CPP disability benefit or CPP post-retirement disability benefit.
- Surviving child's benefit: for an eligible child of a deceased contributor who met the CPP contribution requirements.
The payment belongs to the child even when Service Canada pays it to a parent, guardian or other person on the child's behalf.
Who qualifies for a CPP children's benefit?
The child must meet both an age or study condition and a relationship condition.
Age requirements
The child must be:
- under age 18; or
- age 18 to 25 and attending a recognized school or university full time or part time.
There is no school-attendance requirement for a child under 18.
Relationship to the CPP contributor
The child must be one of the following:
- the contributor's natural child;
- a child legally or in fact adopted by the contributor while the child was under age 21;
- a child legally or in fact living with and under the contributor's decision-making responsibility while under age 21.
When does a child qualify because a parent is disabled?
A child may qualify when their parent or guardian is receiving either:
- a CPP disability benefit; or
- a CPP post-retirement disability benefit.
You do not need to wait for a CPP disability application to be approved before applying for the child's benefit. Service Canada specifically advises applying when the parent or guardian applies for CPP disability benefits.
A separate application may also be needed when a child begins living with a parent or guardian who already receives a qualifying CPP disability benefit.
When does a child qualify after a parent's death?
A surviving child may qualify if the deceased contributor made enough CPP contributions to meet the contribution requirements for the applicable CPP death-related benefits.
The child's relationship and age or school-attendance conditions must also be met.
How much is the CPP children's benefit in 2026?
CPP children's benefits use a flat monthly rate that is adjusted annually.
| Child's situation | 2026 monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Child under age 18 | $307.81 |
| Student age 18 to 25 attending full time | $307.81 |
| Student age 18 to 25 attending part time | $153.91 |
The part-time student amount is one-half of the full flat-rate children's benefit.
Can a child receive more than one CPP children's benefit?
Yes, in some situations. Service Canada states that a child can receive a maximum of two CPP children's benefits.
This can arise when eligibility exists in relation to more than one CPP contributor or qualifying benefit situation.
When should you apply?
Apply as soon as possible after the child becomes eligible.
Service Canada warns that delayed applications can result in lost payments because CPP can generally provide back payments for only 12 months, consisting of the month the application is received plus the previous 11 months.
You should apply when:
- a parent or guardian applies for CPP disability benefits;
- a child begins living with a parent or guardian receiving CPP disability or post-retirement disability benefits;
- a parent or guardian dies.
Who applies for a child under 18?
If the child is under 18, the person with decision-making responsibility normally applies on the child's behalf.
A child under 18 who lives independently and is capable of managing their own affairs may apply personally.
How to apply for a child under 18 when the contributor is disabled
If the parent or guardian is applying for CPP disability benefits, children's benefit information can be included as part of the disability application.
For the online route:
- sign in to My Service Canada Account;
- select the application for Canada Pension Plan disability benefits;
- complete the children's benefit information as part of that process;
- upload copies of requested documents if Service Canada asks for them.
For a paper application specifically for an under-18 child of a disabled contributor, use Form ISP1152, Application for Benefits for Under Age 18 Children of Disabled Contributor.
If the contributor is completing a paper CPP disability application, the children's information can also be provided in Section F of Form ISP1151.
How to apply for a child under 18 after a contributor dies
The application route is different after a contributor dies.
To apply online:
- sign in to My Service Canada Account;
- select the application for Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension and children's benefits;
- complete the requested child information;
- upload copies of supporting documents if requested.
For a paper application, use Form ISP1300, Application for CPP Survivor's Pension and Surviving Child's Benefits.
How does a student age 18 to 25 apply?
A dependent child age 18 to 25 must apply personally.
For the initial application, complete Form ISP1402, Canada Pension Plan Child's Benefit Application and Declaration for a Student Over 18 Years of Age in Attendance at School or University.
You must also:
- include acceptable proof of enrolment; or
- have an authorized representative from the school complete Section E of ISP1402.
The completed application and enrolment evidence are mailed to Service Canada.
What counts as a recognized school or university?
For CPP children's benefits, recognized educational institutions can include:
- schools;
- colleges;
- universities;
- other educational institutions providing educational, professional, vocational or technical instruction.
For a Canadian institution, it must also be recognized by the province where it is located.
Study outside Canada can also qualify if the school is recognized by the CPP and all other eligibility rules continue to be met.
Can online or evening courses count?
Yes, potentially. Service Canada states that evening and daytime classes have the same value when determining attendance.
A student may also qualify as full time or part time without being physically present at the school, so virtual or off-site studies can count where the attendance requirements are otherwise met.
What proof of enrolment is accepted?
Service Canada accepts:
- an official document from the student's online school portal;
- an electronic attestation from a school official, such as an email confirming full-time or part-time attendance;
- Section E of Form ISP1402 completed by an authorized representative of the school.
The enrolment evidence must include:
- the student's name;
- student ID;
- program of study;
- school name and address;
- start and end dates for the semester, term or school year;
- whether attendance is full time or part time.
Do students have to renew the benefit every year?
Yes. Students age 18 to 25 must regularly confirm school attendance.
Form ISP1402 is required:
- when first applying;
- at the beginning of every school year;
- when returning to school after a break.
Service Canada may also request renewal at the beginning of each semester when the school uses a semester system or when attendance begins in the middle of the traditional school year.
Can full-time students renew online?
Yes. Full-time students can renew through My Service Canada Account.
From the Canada Pension Plan section, use the option to submit a declaration of attendance at school or university and upload either proof of enrolment or a signed ISP1402.
Can part-time students renew online?
No. Service Canada currently requires part-time students to use the paper ISP1402 process for applications and renewals.
Are benefits paid during school vacations?
CPP children's benefits can continue during normal school vacation periods.
The benefit can stop if the student does not provide a completed attendance form when returning to school.
What happens if a student takes a break because of illness?
Students must notify Service Canada about interruptions or absences from school.
For an extended absence caused by illness, Service Canada may require Form ISP1403, Illness Certificate.
A new ISP1402 may also be required to confirm that full-time or part-time studies resumed or continued.
When does the first benefit payment start for a child of a disabled contributor?
The first payable month is determined using the applicable CPP rules. Service Canada identifies the relevant starting points as:
- the month the contributor's CPP disability or post-retirement disability benefit starts;
- the month after the child is born or becomes the contributor's child;
- the retroactive limit of 12 months before and including the month the application was received.
The actual start date depends on which of these rules applies to the child's circumstances.
When does a surviving child's benefit start?
For a child of a deceased contributor, the first payable month is the latest applicable date among:
- the month after the contributor's death;
- the month after the child is born or becomes the contributor's child;
- the maximum retroactive period of 12 months before and including the application month.
Who receives the money for a child under 18?
For a child under 18 of a disabled contributor, the payment can be made on the child's behalf to the disabled contributor when the child lives with that person and the contributor has decision-making responsibility.
The person or agency with decision-making responsibility can also receive the payment on behalf of the child.
For a surviving child under 18, the benefit is paid to the person or agency with decision-making responsibility and care of the child.
Who receives the payment after age 18?
For an eligible student age 18 to 25, the CPP children's benefit is paid directly to the child.
Are CPP children's benefits taxable?
CPP child benefits are reported on a T4A(P) slip. The child benefit appears in box 17 and is included in the total CPP benefits shown in box 20.
The CRA states that benefits paid for a child are considered the child's income, even when a parent or guardian physically receives the payment on the child's behalf.
When does the CPP children's benefit stop?
The benefit stops according to the child's age and eligibility status.
Service Canada states that it will stop:
- the month after the child turns 18, unless the child qualifies as a full-time or part-time student;
- the month after an age 18 to 25 child stops qualifying through school attendance;
- the month after the child turns 25;
- the month after the child dies.
Does working while studying stop the benefit?
Not automatically. Service Canada states that working during the summer does not affect eligibility as long as all other CPP children's benefit requirements continue to be met.
Does getting married stop a student's CPP children's benefit?
No. Marriage by itself does not stop the benefit as long as the child continues to meet all other eligibility conditions.
What happens if a disabled CPP contributor dies?
A disabled contributor's child's benefit ends when the disabled contributor dies, but the child may then qualify for a surviving child's benefit.
For an eligible student age 18 to 25 who is already receiving the disabled contributor's child's benefit, Service Canada states that the benefit converts automatically to a surviving child's benefit when Service Canada is notified of the contributor's death.
For a child under 18, a new application for the surviving child's benefit is required.
What if the disabled contributor turns 65?
A CPP disability benefit normally converts to a CPP retirement pension at age 65. A related children's benefit may continue while the child remains eligible.
Service Canada notes that if the disabled contributor is over 65 and the child stops attending school, the child's eligibility for the disabled contributor's child's benefit ends.
CPP children's benefit payment dates in 2026
CPP children's benefits use the regular Canada Pension Plan payment schedule.
The 2026 payment dates are:
- January 28, 2026;
- February 25, 2026;
- March 27, 2026;
- April 28, 2026;
- May 27, 2026;
- June 26, 2026;
- July 29, 2026;
- August 27, 2026;
- September 25, 2026;
- October 28, 2026;
- November 26, 2026;
- December 22, 2026.
What changes must be reported to Service Canada?
Notify Service Canada if:
- a student stops attending school;
- full-time or part-time enrolment status changes;
- the child's relationship to the contributor changes;
- decision-making responsibility or parenting time starts, changes or ends;
- the child's or recipient's name changes;
- the address changes;
- banking information for direct deposit changes.
If you continue receiving payments after eligibility ends, Service Canada can require the overpayment to be repaid.
What if Service Canada denies the application?
If you disagree with a CPP children's benefit decision, you can ask Service Canada to reconsider it.
A reconsideration request must generally be made within 90 days after receiving the decision letter.
The request can be submitted through My Service Canada Account or using another method accepted by Service Canada.
CPP children's benefits application checklist
- Confirm whether the contributor is disabled or deceased.
- Confirm that the child has a qualifying relationship to the contributor.
- Check whether the child is under 18 or age 18 to 25.
- For an age 18 to 25 child, confirm full-time or part-time attendance at a recognized institution.
- For a disabled contributor and child under 18, use the disability application process or ISP1152 as applicable.
- For a deceased contributor and child under 18, use the CPP survivor and children's benefits application or ISP1300.
- For a student age 18 to 25, complete ISP1402.
- Include acceptable proof of enrolment for an adult student.
- Apply promptly because retroactive benefits are limited to 12 months.
- Renew student attendance when required.
- Keep Service Canada informed about school, custody, address and banking changes.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the CPP children's benefit in 2026?
In 2026, the monthly benefit is $307.81 for a child under 18 and for a full-time student age 18 to 25. A qualifying part-time student age 18 to 25 receives $153.91 per month.
Who qualifies for a CPP children's benefit?
An eligible dependent child must be under 18, or age 18 to 25 and attending a recognized school or university full time or part time. The parent or contributor must receive qualifying CPP disability benefits or have died after meeting the applicable CPP contribution requirements.
Can a child get CPP benefits if a parent is on CPP disability?
Yes. An eligible dependent child can receive the disabled contributor's child's benefit when the parent or guardian receives a CPP disability benefit or post-retirement disability benefit.
Can a child get CPP after a parent dies?
Yes, if the deceased parent or contributor met the applicable CPP contribution requirements and the child meets the age, study and relationship conditions.
What form is used for a child under 18 of a disabled CPP contributor?
A paper application can be made with Form ISP1152, Application for Benefits for Under Age 18 Children of Disabled Contributor. Children's benefit information can also be included in the contributor's CPP disability application where applicable.
What form is used for a child under 18 after a CPP contributor dies?
The paper form is ISP1300, Application for CPP Survivor's Pension and Surviving Child's Benefits. An online survivor and children's benefit application is also available through My Service Canada Account.
How does a student over 18 apply for CPP children's benefits?
A student age 18 to 25 applies personally using Form ISP1402 and must provide proof of full-time or part-time enrolment or have an authorized school representative complete Section E of the form.
Can part-time students get the CPP children's benefit?
Yes. Since the CPP rules were expanded, eligible students age 18 to 25 attending a recognized school or university part time can qualify. In 2026, the part-time benefit is $153.91 per month.
Can a full-time student age 18 to 25 renew the benefit online?
Yes. Full-time students can renew through My Service Canada Account by submitting a declaration of attendance and uploading proof of enrolment or a signed ISP1402.
Can a part-time student renew the CPP children's benefit online?
No. Service Canada currently requires part-time students to submit the paper ISP1402 form for applications and renewals.
How far back can CPP children's benefits be paid?
CPP can generally make back payments for up to 12 months, consisting of the month the application is received and the previous 11 months. Applying late can therefore cause the child to lose older payments.
Who receives CPP children's benefits for a child under 18?
The benefit is generally paid on the child's behalf to the person or agency with decision-making responsibility and care of the child. Specific rules apply when the disabled contributor has decision-making responsibility and the child lives with them.
Who receives the CPP children's benefit after age 18?
For an eligible student age 18 to 25, Service Canada pays the benefit directly to the child.
Does a student have to attend university full time?
No. Eligible students age 18 to 25 may attend a recognized school, college, university or another recognized educational institution either full time or part time.
Can online university courses qualify for CPP children's benefits?
Potentially yes. Service Canada states that a student can be considered full time or part time without being physically present at the educational institution.
Do CPP children's benefits continue during school holidays?
Yes, benefits can continue during normal school vacation periods, but the student must submit the required attendance confirmation when returning to school.
Does working during the summer stop a CPP children's benefit?
No. Service Canada states that summer employment does not affect the benefit as long as all other eligibility requirements continue to be met.
Does getting married stop a CPP children's benefit?
No. Marriage does not affect eligibility as long as all other conditions remain satisfied.
Are CPP children's benefits taxable?
CPP child benefits are reported on a T4A(P). The CRA states that the child benefit is the child's income even when the payment for a minor is received by a parent or guardian.
When does a CPP children's benefit stop?
It generally stops after the child turns 18 unless the child qualifies as a student, when an age 18 to 25 student stops qualifying through school attendance, the month after the child turns 25, or the month after the child dies.
Can a child receive two CPP children's benefits?
Yes. Service Canada states that a child can receive a maximum of two CPP children's benefits when the eligibility requirements are met.
What happens to a disabled contributor's child's benefit if the contributor dies?
An eligible student age 18 to 25 who is already receiving the benefit can be converted automatically to a surviving child's benefit after Service Canada is notified of the death. A new surviving-child application is required for a child under 18.
Official sources
CPP children's benefits for children under 25Canada Pension Plan monthly payment amountsApplication for Benefits for Under Age 18 Children of Disabled Contributor - ISP1152Application for CPP Survivor's Pension and Surviving Child's Benefits - ISP1300CPP Child's Benefit Application and Declaration for a Student Over 18 - ISP1402Canada Pension Plan services in My Service Canada AccountCanada Pension Plan benefit payment datesLine 11400 - CPP or QPP benefitsRequest a reconsideration of a CPP decisionRelated procedures
Useful next steps and closely related guides for Canada.
Others were interested in
Other practical guides people exploring this topic may find useful.