Official Service Canada form guide
Separation of Legal Spouses and Common-Law Partners
Service Canada’s ISP-1811 statutory declaration is used to report a separation from a legal spouse or common-law partner for a specified federal benefits program. Start with the official form for the program handling your file, then arrange to make the declaration before an authorized commissioner.
Official forms can change. Download a fresh copy from Service Canada and follow the instructions connected to your CPP or Old Age Security file.
What this declaration does
ISP-1811 records facts about when spouses or common-law partners separated and their living arrangements. Service Canada may use those facts when administering the program named on the form. It is not a separation agreement, does not divide property, decide support or parenting issues, and does not end a marriage or common-law relationship for every legal purpose.
There are program-specific catalogue entries for CPP and OAS. Use the version requested by Service Canada rather than assuming that one version can be substituted for another. If a letter, portal message or officer gave you a reference number or deadline, keep that instruction with the form.
Prepare before your appointment
- Download the current official form and read every instruction before entering information.
- Gather your government-issued photo identification and any Service Canada letter or claim reference.
- Confirm the full legal names, last shared address, current addresses and the separation date you can truthfully declare.
- Bring supporting records only if Service Canada or your adviser asked for them; the commissioner does not decide whether they prove your claim.
- Leave the declarant’s signature and the commissioner section blank until the appointment.
Do not sign in advance
A statutory declaration must be made in the commissioner’s presence. For a remote appointment, follow the commissioner’s instructions about identification, the signing method and how the completed pages will be returned.
What happens at commissioning
- Identity check: the commissioner reviews acceptable identification and confirms the name on the form.
- Review for completeness: you check dates, names and blank fields. The commissioner may point out an incomplete field but cannot choose an answer for you.
- Declaration: you solemnly declare that the information is true, then sign as directed.
- Commissioner section: the commissioner completes the jurat and applies the required signature, stamp or seal.
- Submission: you keep a copy and send the original or electronic version using Service Canada’s current instructions.
You remain responsible for the truth and completeness of the declaration. A notary or commissioner verifies identity, administers the declaration and witnesses the signature; they do not confirm the underlying relationship history or determine benefit eligibility.
Common questions
Is this the same as a separation agreement?
No. ISP-1811 reports separation facts to Service Canada for the identified program. Advice about separation agreements, property, support, parenting or divorce should come from a qualified family-law professional.
Which date should I enter?
Enter only a date you can truthfully declare and that answers the form’s wording. If the date is disputed or you are unsure how Service Canada defines separation for your benefit, ask Service Canada or obtain legal advice before swearing the form.
Can someone else sign for me?
The named declarant ordinarily makes and signs their own declaration. Ask Service Canada in advance if capacity, language, accessibility or representative arrangements affect your appointment.
Need a commissioner or notary?
Bring the unsigned document, valid identification and the receiving organization’s instructions. Eligibility for online commissioning depends on the document and recipient.
