When a parent's death creates or changes a grandfamily.

Information reviewed September 2026. Program rules and services can change, so use the linked official source for current requirements.

When a parent dies, the family can be grieving and reorganizing at the same time

A grandparent or relative may suddenly become responsible for a child while also grieving their own son, daughter, sibling or other family member. There can be funeral arrangements, school changes, benefit applications, custody questions and a child's grief happening at once.

Children do not all grieve the same way

Children may move in and out of grief quickly. They can be sad one moment and playing the next. Grief can also look like anger, anxiety, sleep problems, regression, poor concentration or fear that another caregiver will die. Give honest, age-appropriate information and avoid euphemisms that can confuse young children.

Tell the school enough to support the child

Let the school know that a parent has died and identify the current caregiver. Ask who should be the main school contact and whether the Student Well-being Team or school counsellor can help if the child is struggling.

CPP surviving child's benefit

A child of a deceased Canada Pension Plan contributor may qualify for a monthly CPP surviving child's benefit if the deceased parent made sufficient CPP contributions. For a child under 18, the benefit is paid on the child's behalf to the person or agency that has decision-making responsibility and care of the child.

For eligible students aged 18 to 25, the benefit is paid directly to the young person while they attend a recognized school or university.

Canada: CPP Children's Benefits

Other financial and legal changes may follow

• CRA should be told when the child's primary caregiver changes so child benefits can be reviewed.
• A will may name a proposed guardian, but legal advice may still be needed about custody or guardianship.
• The child may have rights under an estate, pension, life-insurance policy or other benefit.
• If the deceased parent was the only person able to consent to school, health or travel decisions, clarify the new legal authority promptly.

Grief support on PEI

Hospice PEI offers free peer-to-peer grief support groups for Islanders grieving the death of a loved one. The groups are supportive and educational rather than professional therapy. Hospice PEI advises people whose needs exceed peer support to contact a licensed health professional or the PEI Mental Health and Addictions line.

Hospice PEI Grief Support

Protect memories and connection

Children can benefit from safe ways to remember the parent: photographs, stories, traditions, recipes, music, visits with appropriate relatives or a memory box. The goal is not to force remembrance on a child, but to make it clear that the deceased parent does not have to disappear from family conversation.

When grief becomes overwhelming

Persistent severe depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, inability to function or major behavioural changes deserve professional assessment. In an immediate emergency call 9-1-1. PEI's Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line is available 24/7 at 1-833-553-6983.