Life insurance
Information from the Ministère de la Justice
The proceeds of a life insurance policy that names a specific beneficiary is not a part of the succession. You can therefore deal directly with the insurance company to obtain payment of the deceased’s life insurance policy.
Search for a policy 
Service of the OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance
If certain conditions are met, you can ask the OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance to search for a lost life insurance policy if you have reason to believe that such a policy exists.
Death benefit
Administered by Retraite Québec
The death benefit granted under the Québec Pension Plan is a lump-sum payment of up to $2,500 and is taxable. It is paid if the deceased contributed sufficiently to the Québec Pension Plan. In the first 60 days following death, it is paid on a priority basis to the person who paid the funeral expenses. After 60 days have elapsed following the date of death, it can be paid to the heirs if they have accepted the succession.
Surviving spouse's pension
Administered by Retraite Québec
The spouse of a deceased person may be entitled to the surviving spouse’s pension beginning in the month following the spouse’s death, provided the deceased contributed sufficiently to the Québec Pension Plan.
Orphan's pension
Administered by Retraite Québec
The orphan’s pension is payable on application for any child under age 18 of a deceased parent, provided the parent contributed sufficiently to the Québec Pension Plan. In general, it is paid to the person who provides for the child.
Supplemental pension plan (pension fund)
Administered by Retraite Québec
Upon the death of the holder of a supplemental pension plan, commonly referred to as a “pension fund,” a death benefit can be paid. This benefit is payable on a priority basis to the person recognized as the deceased’s spouse. If the spouse renounces it or if there is no recognized spouse, it can be paid to the designated beneficiary or the heirs.
Locked-in retirement account or life income fund
Administered by Retraite Québec
Upon the death of the holder of a locked-in retirement account (LIRA) or a life income fund (LIF), the balance is paid on a priority basis to the person recognized as the deceased’s spouse. If the spouse renounces it or if there is no recognized spouse, the balance is paid to the heirs.
Pension from a foreign country
Administered by Retraite Québec
The spouse of a deceased person who has worked in a foreign country may be entitled to a pension from that country, for either the spouse or the dependent children. For more information, contact the Bureau des ententes de sécurité sociale at Retraite Québec .
Public-sector pension plans administered by Retraite Québec
Administered by Retraite Québec
Retraite Québec administers most of the pension plans to which public and parapublic sector employees contribute (that is, employees of the Québec government and public agencies). If a retiree or an employee participating in one of these pension plans dies, you have to complete certain formalities to receive the benefits provided by the plan.
Compensation for death resulting from a traffic accident
Administered by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec
The spouse and the dependents of a person who dies as a result of a traffic accident may be entitled to compensation. The public insurance plan covers any Quebecer who dies in a traffic accident, whether that person is a driver, cyclist, passenger, motorcyclist or pedestrian.
Compensation for death resulting from an employment injury
Administered by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST)
A relative of a person who dies as a result of an employment injury may receive a death benefit from the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST).
Compensation for death resulting from a criminal act (IVAC)
Administered by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST)
If a person dies as a result of a criminal act, the person’s relatives can receive compensation or a pension.
As needed, any victim of a criminal act, any relative of a victim or any witness to such an act can receive first-line assistance to overcome the mental, psychological and social consequences of what they have experienced. Contact the professionals at one of the Crime Victim Assistance Centres (CAVAC ).
Compensation for death resulting from an act of good citizenship
Administered by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST)
The dependents of a person who dies as a result of voluntarily assisting another person who is in danger can receive compensation or services.
Compensation for death resulting from a hunting or trapping accident
Administered by the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs
If certain conditions are met, the relatives of a person who dies in the course of legal hunting or trapping activities may be entitled to compensation.
Last update: March 7, 2023
