Updated: Mon Nov. 02 2009 16:40:36

CTVcalgary.ca

A Calgary woman has learned the hard way how difficult it can be to collect money from the Canada Pension Plan.

Joanne Chipchase's mother died in the spring just weeks short of her 90th birthday.

After she died, the funeral home applied for her death benefit to help Chipchase cover her funeral costs.

CPP offers up to 25-hundred dollars to survivors of those who have contributed to it for at least one-third of their working years.

But Chipchase was denied the benefit after officials with CPP said there was no proof that her mother has been employed for more than four years.

The records are supposed to be supplied by Revenue Canada.

Officials with Service Canada admit it is hard to track down the required documentation.

Chipchase appealed the original ruling by CPP but it was denied without any cause given.

Officials now say they will take another look at the file and see if Chipchase is entitled to the benefit.