The CPP provides these workers and their families with a basic level of earnings when they retire, become disabled or die. What was evaluated Survivor Benefits comprise a Surviving Spouse's Pension, Orphan's Benefits, and a Death Benefit. The evaluation examined the rationale for survivor benefits, the extent to which program objectives have been met, the importance of survivor benefits as a source of income, and the impacts and effects of the benefits. The rationale for survivor benefits remains despite social changes. Ninety per cent of survivors are women, and orphan's benefits are paid mainly to help support children who have lost their fathers.
Survivor benefits are very significant for a minority of women survivors.
The proportion of income represented by CPP survivor benefits has increased most dramatically among women with the lowest income. Surveys showed there is a disproportionately high number of women of pre-retirement age and with little or no education among female survivors who say their current income is less than adequate. Experts and the public differ somewhat on eligibility rules for survivor benefits. Experts and key informants think the current eligibility rules are generally appropriate. Experts were also unanimous in opposing any suggestion that a surviving spouse who remarries should stop receiving benefits.