Calgary 
The Federal government has announced a new Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefit targeting part-time students with parents who are deceased or disabled contributors.
Eligible part-time students aged 18–24 will receive 50% of the flat-rate benefit provided to full-time students, translating to $150.89 per month in 2025. Full-time students currently receive $301.77 per month.
Students must demonstrate minimum school attendance and be enrolled in a recognized educational institution. The child must also meet certain criteria, including being the natural or adopted child of the contributor or living under their care before turning 21.
The federal government estimates approximately 6,712 students are expected to qualify this year.
The CPP children’s benefits aim to provide financial stability for dependent children under 18 and assist those aged 18–24 with educational expenses.
The CPP provides two types of children’s benefits: one for children of disabled contributors and one for children of deceased contributors. Eligible children under 18 receive monthly payments, while those aged 18–25 must be in school to qualify. The benefit amount is adjusted annually to reflect cost-of-living changes.
Minister of Seniors Joanne Thompson emphasized the program’s importance amid rising living costs, stating, “No child should have to choose between caring for their parents and going to school. By regularly evaluating the impact of the CPP on Canadians, we are taking the needs of students seriously and providing them with the tools they need to have a secure future.”
The changes stem from the 2022–2024 Triennial Review — which also introduced other measures effective in 2025 — where federal and provincial finance ministers agreed on amendments to adapt CPP benefits to evolving needs without raising minimum contribution rates.
These include:
- Death Benefit Top-Up: Estates of deceased CPP contributors without a spouse or partner receive an increased death benefit of $5,000 (up from $2,500).
- Disabled Contributor’s Child’s Benefit Extension: Eligibility for the Disabled Contributor’s Child’s Benefit (DCCB) has been extended beyond a parent’s age of 65. Previously, the benefit ended when a parent’s CPP disability pension converted to a retirement pension. The change ensures children continue receiving the DCCB even after their parent transitions to a retirement pension.
- Ending entitlement to a survivor’s pension following a CPP credit split: The new change disqualifies separated individuals requesting a CPP credit split from receiving their ex-partner’s survivor’s pension, aligning their treatment with divorced partners. Reconciled couples living together at death remain eligible for the survivor’s pension.
Canada Pension Plan: Pensions and benefits monthly amounts/Screenshot: Canada.ca
CPP, funded by contributions from employees, employers, and self-employed individuals, ensures basic income replacement during retirement, disability, or loss of a family member.
Apply for the new Part-time Student Benefit
